Anti-Globalization Protests Postponed in Wake of Attacks

September 18, 2001 - 0:0
WASHINGTON Anti-globalization protesters said here Sunday they have postponed demonstrations they planned to hold at International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank meetings here later this month.

In a statement, the coalition group Mobilization for Global Justice (MGJ) said: "In this time of grief, the MGJ is postponing the nonviolent demonstrations against the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund."

AFP quoted the group as saying that its decision would not be affected by whether the World Bank and the IMF decide to go ahead with their semi-annual meetings scheduled for September 29-30.

The decision was made out of respect for victims of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon building outside of the U.S. capital, according to the statement -- and was not meant to suggest that the group had abandoned its opposition to IMF and World Bank policies.

"The MGJ, as part of a global movement, will continue its efforts to hold these institutions accountable for their role in structuring an unjust and inequitable global economy," the statement said.

The Mobilization for Global Justice condemned the attacks but urged all leaders "to seek justice in this situation rather than revenge."