Press Conference on Anti-War Resolution Nov. 1, 6 pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, October 31, 2005
Contact: Ruth Holbrook (916) 455-1396 or (916) 996-9170
            
DAYBOOK/NEWS DESK

Sacramento City Council to weigh-in
on Iraq War controversy; Will consider
measure Tuesday calling for US withdrawal

SACRAMENTO – The Sacramento City Council Tuesday night will consider a
resolution calling on Congress and President Bush to "commence" the
withdrawal of all U.S. troops from Iraq, according to a coalition of area
peace organizations.

A major news conference will be held at 6 p.m. TUESDAY in front of City
Hall (new addition, 915 I St.) to discuss the resolution, said the
Sacramento Coalition to End the War.

The City Council is due to hear the resolution – co-sponsored by Council
members Ray Tretheway and Lauren Hammond – at its scheduled 7 p.m. meeting.

The resolution calls for a "a humane, orderly, rapid and comprehensive
withdrawal of United States military personnel and bases from Iraq," and
asks Congress and Bush to deliver "promised veterans' health, education,
disability, and rehabilitation benefits, and otherwise meet the needs of
returning veterans."

The resolution cites the high costs of the war, specifically to Sacramento
in terms of lives lost and disrupted as well as monies now being spent for
Iraq that could be used to improve Sacramento levees, flood protection,
education, healthcare and security.

If approved, Sacramento will join scores of other U.S. cities to approve
anti-war resolutions, and one of only a few to call for an immediate, or
rapid withdrawal.