NEWS RELEASE
Chilean Coup Commemoration Events
Glasgow joins countless places around the world tomorrow in commemorating the 30th anniversary of the fall of the democratic government of socialist president Salvador Allende in Chile.
Commenting on the eve of the commemorations, Bill Speirs, STUC General Secretary said:
"The STUC urges all to commemorate September 11th. The date marks an important milestone in the history of Chile. It was on that day 30 years ago that the Chilean military overthrew the constitutional government and installed a brutal dictatorship that lasted almost 17 years and resulted in thousands of deaths and `disappearances', widespread repression and exile."
In Scotland, the commemorations are jointly sponsored by the STUC, Amnesty International and Chile Democratico (Scotland), and centre around two main events.
The first event, on September 11th at the City Chambers in Glasgow, will witness the lighting of a symbolic candle. The Lord Provost, Liz Cameron, will lead a number of Chilean exiles, human rights campaigners, trade unionists and political representatives in remembering the victims of the military dictatorship led by General Pinochet and to celebrate the solidarity offered by Scotland to Chilean refugees during the 1970's. The event will also see the launching of a public statement pledging support to the cause of human rights worldwide. This statement has already been signed by leading trade unionists, MSP's and Scottish MP's.
The second public commemoration takes place at the Scottish Trade Union Centre in Glasgow on Saturday 13th September. This
Tel: 0141 337 8100 / Fax: 0141 337 8101 www.stuc.org.uk
free event will be an evening of song and remembrance with live music from Chilean and Scottish musicians. All are welcome to attend.
ENDS
For further information and comment, please contact:
Oscar Mendoza, spokesperson for Chile Democratico (Scotland) on 07719 526 816
Bill Speirs, STUC General Secretary
Tel: 0141 337 8100 / Fax: 0141 337 8101 www.stuc.org.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The event on 11th September takes place at 11am in Committee Room 8 of the City Chambers in Glasgow.
Rosemary Burnett, Programme Director for Amnesty International in Scotland will light the symbolic candle on behalf of Amnesty International.
There will be a photocall around the lighting of the remembrance candle at the front of the City Chambers and of those attending the signing up to the public statement, as well as opportunities for interview.
The second event at the Scottish Trades Union Centre on the 13th September is a free event which commences from 7pm onwards. This is a social and cultural event featuring live music. This event is free and all are welcome to attend.