[Pressrelease] German Army is training for the dispersal of demonstrators

[Presswork G8 2007 (english)]

Press Prelease 

May 25th, Gipfelsoli Infogroup 

Sanitz/Rostock: The German Army is training for the dispersal of 
demonstrators. 

Armed with guns, the soldiers hunt down demonstrators, played by other 
soldiers. In a picture published in a local newspaper (Ostseezeitung), one 
can see demonstrators fleeing from soldiers with gas masks. Troops will be 
deployed within a “Civil-Military Cooperation” framework. This framework 
intends for a closer working relationship between the German Military and 
the Ministry for International Affairs. Vice Admiral Wolfram Kuehn says: “ 
If they need us, we will be there for them”. 

The deployment of military troops within the country is only allowed during 
national disasters or catastrophes, according to § 35 of the constitution. 
“The G8 Summit and its policies are a catastrophe for millions of people. 
But this is not the reason for the deployment of military troops”, G8 
protesters explain. 

Soldiers will secure parts of the military airport Rostock Laage, that 
Summit protesters intend to blockade. The army is allowed to use arms in 
“defence of criminal acts against the Federal Army”.
Military Police will secure all other military property. These two have been 
granted powers to shoot in “self-defence”. 

“The G8 in Heiligendamm is intended to provide more acceptance for the 
deployment of the military within the country”, Hanne Jobst of the 
Gipfelsoli Infogroup suspects. “This is a goal of hardliner Schaeuble and 
his predecessor Schily”. 

A spokesperson for the regional commando of Mecklenburg-Pomerania responded 
yesterday that thee deployment of military forces against demonstrators is 
not intended as such, only if demonstrators ulawfully entered or attacked 
military bases. 

“If police and military forces are training to destroy the massive and 
determined resistance that is being planned, then the time has come to 
consider canceling the G8 Summit”, G8 protesters demand. 

Contact: +49 (0)160 953 14 023 

[Gipfelsoli Infogroup]