Korean Embassy vigil to ‘Save Jeju’

Pat Gaffney reads Pax Christi statement at vigil

Catholic groups were among around 60 people who held a vigil on Wednesday outside the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Central London to urge that construction of a military base on the island of Jeju be halted. Pax Christi, National Justice and Peace Network, London Catholic Worker, Columban JPIC and Sisters of St Joseph of Peace were all represented during the three-hour vigil.

Among the placards were: ‘Pax Christi in solidarity with the people of Ganjeong – Don’t turn Jeju into an island of war’; ‘No naval base on Jeju island - Protect the Earth’ and ‘NO GO says Columban Mission – Save Jeju Island’. They stood in the rain, learning Korean chants calling for justice and peace, and handed in letters to the Embassy during the good-natured and colourful demonstration. A number of young Koreans, wearing yellow ‘Jeju’ tee-shirts, were involved.

Strong disapproval was expressed concerning the bulldozing and blastings that are already devastating one of South Korea's most popular and precious natural sites. Despite brutal arrests, villagers continue protesting and have urgently appealed for international support to help stop this disaster. Jeju Island is so magnificent it’s being considered as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, but the South Korean and US governments want to build a massive naval base and launching pad for ballistic missiles.

Pat Gaffney, General Secretary of Pax Christi UK, spoke at the protest to say that Pax Christi internationally is supporting the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Korea which has criticised the building of a naval base on Jeju, an island which lies just 300 miles from mainland China.

Columban priest Aodh O’Halpin expressed support for Columbans in Korea who have been involved in Masses and vigils on Jeju itself and in nonviolent protests at the Seoul offices of Samsung, which is undertaking much of the construction work. Kate Hudson, the General Secretary of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND), said that “for the island itself this is a monstrous development, but it also presents a great danger to this region and indeed to the whole world”.

The mayor of the affected village of Gangjeong on Jeju sent a touching message of thanks to all supporting his community through the recent years of turmoil and stress. International peace campaigner, Angie Zelter, who visited the island in March, met embassy staff, but reported back that they did not really engage with the issue or the concerns of the protestors outside.

An international AVAAZ Petition can be signed at:
www.avaaz.org/en/save_jeju_island/

For more information see: www.savejejuisland.org/Save_Jeju_Island/Welcome.html