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Anti-US Protest Toned down in Vieques |
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WED, SEP 26, 2001
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Repercussions of the terrorist attacks in the US continue to impact around the world. On the Puerto Rican island of Vieques, a long running protest against the US Navy's use of part of the island for bombing practice has been toned down.
On Tuesday, puffs of smoke rose from the bow of a distant destroyer, as cannon fired non-explosive shells in the first military exercises on the island since the US declared war on terrorism.
The US declaration of war had an effect on protestors on Vieques. Peaceful anti-war vigils are replacing civil disturbance. A small group of protesters bowed their heads and prayed for world peace. They expressed their sympathy with the US people, but are afraid any direct action on their part may face a more violent response from base guards.
The US Navy has used Vieques for six decades, training sailors for major conflicts from World War II to the Gulf War. Opponents say the Navy bombardments harm the environment and residents' health, but the Navy denies its exercises harm Vieques, where over 9,000 people live.
A binding federal referendum scheduled for November would ask islanders whether the Navy should leave in 2003, or stay and pay 50 million US dollars for infrastructure and public works projects.
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