Cross of blood on US carpet

By ALAN PERROTT

A Catholic worker and priest poured a cross made from their own blood on the carpet of the United States consul's office to protest at the invasion of Iraq.

Father Peter Murname and Nicholas Drake said they had been planning some kind of protest for several weeks after making yesterday's appointment to meet consul Douglas Berry.

The pair entered Mr Berry's Auckland office and read a prepared statement before removing containers concealed under their clothing and pouring the 1m blood cross.

"The United States is pouring tonnes of blood in Iraq and we wanted to spill some of our own on United States soil, so to speak," said Father Murname, a Dominican friar and Auckland University chaplain.

He said the blood had been extracted by a health professional.

Father Murname said their statement, calling on Mr Berry and his staff to resign over the action of the United States Government, was received "very well".

"He was very gentle and courteous and then escorted us to the door."

Their statement said the war exceeded the crimes of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein, and the United States was linked to many of them.

They also protested at the widespread use of depleted uranium munitions.

Mr Drake, a Catholic worker, said they were pleased to have made a strong point in a non-violent fashion.

Added motivation for the act came from regular contact with Dominican friars and sisters in Iraq.

"So many lives are being destroyed over there," said Father Murname. "Our sisters are dealing with terrified people and terrified children day after day."

A spokeswoman for the United States Embassy in Wellington said the protest added nothing to debate over the Iraq war.

"While we support people's rights to express differing opinions, we believe that those opinions should be expressed in an appropriate and legal manner."