Amnesty International to Hold Worldwide Vigils Calling for Immediate Ceasefire in Lebanon/Israel Conflict

WASHINGTON - August 4 -

In response to the escalating violence and deaths of civilians in the Lebanon and Israel conflict, Amnesty International will hold vigils Monday, Aug. 7 to call for an immediate ceasefire, demand all governments stop the supply of arms and stand in solidarity with the victims and survivors from both sides. Amnesty International members will participate in vigils across the globe in countries including Venezuela, United Kingdom, Spain, Chile, France, Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, Australia, Belgium, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Turkey, Korea and the United States.

In the United States, vigils are scheduled around the country including in New York City, Somerville, Mass., San Francisco and the national vigil in Washington, D.C., at the U.S. State Department from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. U.S. participants will hold candles and signs to show unity with the victims and survivors from Lebanon and Israel. In addition, U.S. participants will send signed petitions to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice reiterating their calls for an immediate and effective ceasefire and stop the supply of arms to all parties of the conflict. Petitions are available on Amnesty International Web site -- http://www.amnestyusa.org -- and will be available at the vigil.

Details for the Washington, D.C. vigil are:

WHAT: AIUSA National Vigil

WHEN: Monday, Aug. 7 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. EDT

WHERE: U.S. State Department, 2201 C Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.

-- NOTE: Participants will be in front of the C Street entrance