Call from some international supporters for increased mobilisation to Barcelona this June.

Dear Friends,
The decision by the World Bank to cancel their Barcelona meeting in June has been hailed by some as a victory for the anti-capitalist movement and other struggles in the Spanish State. It is true that a few years ago such a consequence resulting from our threat to mobilise would have been unimaginable, their retreat is testament to the growth and vibrancy of our movement. However, the true significance of our opposition to the institutions of global capitalism is not in our effect on their meetings but in the promise of a brighter future that is born of our international solidarity and our mass gatherings which have combined frustration with creativity. If this global wave of productive anger can be diverted even weakened by the abandonment of one of their meetings then it is doomed to be no more than a protest movement, able to criticise capitalism but unable to deliver an alternative. If our activities in June are decreased as a consequence of the World Bank's strategy then this will have been a victory, not just for the World Bank, but for systems of exploitation the world over.

The World Bank will make all the same decisions online as they would have at a physical meeting, and, even if the whole institution was abandoned, capitalism would continue regardless. Capitalism isn't manifest only in a conference hall or an international treaty, it's in their jails, in your wage packet, in the air we breathe. Their meetings have never been that important, it has been our resistance that has mattered all along.

June the 25th is the single most significant date our movement has ever faced. If you will excuse the militaristic metaphor, when the enemy is on the run should you hang back or pursue them relentlessly? In Barcelona we have the chance to prove to ourselves and to others that we are more than a protest movement, that we are capable of taking on the authority of the state and building a revolutionary, emancipatory alternative. Let us gather in Barcelona in unprecedented numbers, to protest against global capitalism, yes, but much more than that, to rise up against the Spanish state, against the very idea of wage labour and against our daily exploitation and oppression. Let us take control of the streets of Barcelona in a massive celebration of our ability to build a society based on freedom, co-operation and solidarity. Not a protest; an insurrection!

We are a small group of Anarchist workers, employed in the fast food industry, and based in the UK, who on hearing news of the World Bank's cancellation determined that we would definitely travel to Barcelona. We made this decision because we believe a manifestation of the sort described above would be more radical and constructive than protesting at any number of meetings.

We seek urgent confirmation from our comrades in the Spanish state and around the world that the preparations and mobilisations for Barcelona continue not weakened but even intensified.

J25 is time for the real anti-capitalist movement to stand up,

In solidarity,

Poma.

(Many apologies for being unable to write in any language except English)

World Bank statement:

``Years ago people used to burn books to try and clamp down on academic freedom,'' Anstey said. ``Now they try to prevent academics from reaching debating halls.''


World Bank Cancels Spanish Conference Under Threat (Update1)
By Mark Drajem

Washington, May 21 (Bloomberg) -- The World Bank canceled a conference planned for next month in Barcelona because of the fear of street riots in the Mediterranean port city, the global lender said.

 http://quote.bloomberg.com/fgcgi.cgi?T=uspolitics_news.ht&s=AOwlf0xU2V29ybGQg


Tuesday 22 May 2001
Protesters 'beat' World Bank
By Ben Fenton in Washington

THE World Bank's decision to call off its meeting in Barcelona next month is a "victory without parallel", say anti-capitalist protesters

 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/et?ac=003864436460684&rtmo=fwrqVsNs&atmo=rrrrrrrq&pg=/et/01/5/22/wglob22.html

A new web site is being set up to "encourage and
facilitate mass international mobilisation to
Barcelona in June". It is being put together by a
group, mainly based in the UK, who are excited by the
prospect of doing a positive action, that celebrates
our abillity and intent to change the world, in the
most symbolic of places. It can be found at:

 http://www.j25.org

Please send comments, inquiries etc. to:

 info@j25.org.uk

see you on the streets.