SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE, MEXICO - JANUARY 18, 2003 -- More than six hundred people gathered in the central square of San Miguel de Allende in a silent, candlelight vigil to protest the Bush Administration's threatened war against Iraq. Organized by the newly formed San Miguel Peace Center, the January 18 vigil was the largest of it's kind in this Mexican city with an American population of 10,000 retirees and expatriates.

While the protest was organized by North Americans, Mexicans also enthusiastically rushed to sign a petition for peace. The vigil received the approval of the Mayor, a member of President Vicente Fox's conservative party, PAN [National Action Party]. Mayor Oscar Arroyo said he was proud to have a vigil for peace in his city.

The petition, signed by over 600 persons calls on the U.S. government to support the efforts of the United Nations for a peaceful resolution of the Iraqi crisis. It will be delivered to the U. S. Embassy in Mexico City next week.

Former Californian Arthur Silvers, head of the Peace Center, told the crowd "we need a separation of corporations and the state, we need to spend the money used for war on food, medicine, AIDS, alternative energy sources, education and care of those who cannot care for themselves."

"We are thrilled to be able to participate in this demonstration," said visiting Baltimorean Natalie Sokoloff. "We are here on vacation and felt bad about not being in Washington for the demonstration there. We are delighted to find that our sentiments are shared by many American expatriates and Mexicans"

On behalf of the U.S. residents, the Peace Center sent a solidarity message to the massive Washington demonstration taking place the same day. It said, "like most Americans, we want peace, prosperity and justice for all. We call upon our fellow citizens in the United States to join in stopping this insane rush to war--a war that can only engender more terrorists and make our lives less secure. Instead, our country should be working to strengthen international law and international institutions that alone can ensure a just peace."

Organizers were enthusiastic about the turnout. Civic activist Kendall Butler said "the last anti-war demonstration here in 1991 drew 100 persons. Sentiment against war is running very strong now." Another resident added that "people around the world feel great good will toward the American people. But I fear that that is being dissipated by the aggressive and arrogant policies of the Bush adminstration".