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CNN Live Saturday

Europeans Protest Strikes in Afghanistan

Aired October 13, 2001 - 15:37   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
LEON HARRIS, CNN ANCHOR: As the airstrikes against Afghanistan continue, so do the protests. Violence flared up in a number of cities, most notably in Kano, Nigeria. Eyewitnesses report rioting in the streets there, with protesters setting fire to churches and mosques. At least 16 people are dead.

In parts of Western Europe, the demonstrations were far more peaceful. CNN's Hala Gorani has more now from London.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

HALA GORANI, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Almost a week after the U.S.-led strikes in Afghanistan began, several thousand demonstrators marched across Europe. Including in Berlin, one of the biggest, and Central London. They say targeting Afghanistan won't eliminate terrorism.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: By dropping bombs, it's not going to solve the problem.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think, in fact, we may be causing more terrorists to be created by this action. So in the long term, I think it will be worse.

GORANI (on camera): This is a wide collection of groups gathering here in Trafalgar Square in London, from Palestinian organizations to anti-nuclear associations. They represent a minority view in Britain here, but they are intent on making their voices heard.

CAROL LAUGHTON, CAMPAIGN FOR NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT: We are calling today on Tony Blair to stop the bombing and to go right back to diplomatic, political and economic measures to actually combat terrorism and to bring these people to justice.

GORANI (voice-over): Among the main participants, Palestinian groups, saying now is the West's opportunity to rethink its foreign policy in the Middle East.

AFIF SAFFIEH, PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY: I believe that Blair and Bush are aware today that if they don't want the world to be split on civilization (UNINTELLIGIBLE) and demarcation lines, they ought to take the initiative for peace now in Palestine and the Middle East. GORANI: British Prime Minister Tony Blair will meet Palestinian Authority President Yasser Arafat in London Monday. It is clear reviving the Mideast peace process is considered important to minimizing the opposition the coalition meets in the coming months.

Hala Gorani, CNN, London.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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