US Demonstrators Protest Bush's Missile Defense Plan

Under a summer scorching sun, more than 500 people gathered outside the White House Sunday to protest against US President George W. Bush's plan to deploy a controversial missile defense system.

While shouting "We Want Peace," the demonstrators carried placards proclaiming "Ban War in Space" and "Stop the New Arms Race."

The protest came ahead of Bush's departure Monday for Europe where the missile defense system is expected to figure prominently at his talks with leaders of NATO allies and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Arms control experts said that the US missile defense plan, which has met objections from the international community, will not only spark a new arms race, but also threaten world peace and security, and stimulate nuclear proliferation.

"We know that for Europe, for the rest of the world, the real region of concern is the United States," said Susan Wand, director of the Women's Action for New Directions.

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