DRUG GROUP CALLS OFF WREATH PLAN.

PRO-CANNABIS campaigners today cancelled their wreath-laying at Norwich's
war memorial in the face of mounting pressure from war veterans. They had
hoped to lay a wreath at noon today to highlight the fight against heir
perceived persecution of drug-users.

But the proposed ceremony, on the eve of the veteran's own poppy-laying
ceremony to mark the 54th anniversary of D-Day, angered former soldiers and
their families who branded it a publicity stunt in poor taste.

Now, instead of laying a wreath, the members of the Campaign to Legalise
Canabis International Association simply gathered at the memorial to hold a
minute's silence to mark the event.

Campaign Chairman Jack Girling said: "We have no wish to cause offence to
the very people among those we intended to honour - the veterans
themselves."

"Consequently the CLCIA is withdrawing the plans to lay the wreaths. Instead
those present at the memorial will be asked to co-operate with one minute's
silence in memory of all those who have suffered in all wars.

"We offer our sincere apologies to any veterans who were upset by our plan,
but we make no apology whatsoever to the hypocrites who run the country
while living lives of luxury at our expense, while locking away
cannabis-users while drinking cocktails of alcohol."

Jack Woods, 74, of the Norwich and District Normandy Veterans' Association
,said: "They are doing the right thing. The war memorial is a memorial to
the dead and not to those people who decide to smoke cannabis."

"It is also a potent symbol, not just to my generation but to generations
after, and should not be exploited for publicity purposes.

"We are pleased they have chosen to cancel the wreath-laying." He said.

City council spokeswoman Nikki Rotsos said: "WE are very pleased they have
decided to change their minds.

"Obviously they have realised it would have been inappropriate and we are
glad they have had the good sense to cancel the ceremony," she said.

Checked-by: "R. Lake"