The Ban Bus

Epic expedition arrives in Istanbul

WHAT: Visit to Turkey by The Ban Bus: An eight-week campaign trail through Europe to convince all governments to sign a groundbreaking treaty banning cluster bombs, in Oslo on December 3rd 2008. Beginning in Serbia and ending at the signing ceremony in Norway, the Ban Bus will rally public support for the treaty and turn the eyes of the world on governments – including Turkey - who are resisting putting pen to paper and curbing the suffering of millions.

Using sound, film and photo recording equipment, the Ban Bus will be recording its journey, collecting stories and generating a media storm in a bid to get every government to do the right thing and sign the treaty.

WHEN: Saturday 18th October: 12 pm: Official Media Conference and Ban Bus Public Street Action: Following the media conference campaigners, using a mobile photo exhibition, specially developed flyers and “The People’s Treaty” will begin educating residents about this vital issue and Turkey’s unique opportunity to help save innocent lives around the world.

WHERE: Photo and filming opportunity - Istanbul: Ban Bus Media Conference and Public Action will take place at Taksim Square, Istanbul.

WHO:

· Ban Bus campaigners on the bus:

John Rodsted: Nobel-prize winning photographer and film maker with twenty years experience documenting cluster bombs worldwide

Daniel Barty: Journalist and campaigner who has worked with survivors in Asia

CONTACT:

In Turkey and on the bus: Daniel Barty, +381 (0)61 233 1169, media (at) thebanbus.org

In Turkey: Muteber Ö?reten, Initiative for a Mine Free Turkey + 90 535 229 38 28

In London: Natalie Curtis, Cluster Munition Coalition: +44 (0)20 7820 0222 or + 44 (0) 7515 575174, Natalie (at) stopclustermunitions.org