Another 246 cities will join the global protest o­n Feb 15 against a possible United States attack o­n Iraq.

With this latest development, the protest will be held in 306 cities - 141 cities in US and Canada, 94 in Europe, 36 in Asia and Middle East, 10 in Latin America and o­ne in the Antartica.

In Kuala Lumpur, NGOs, political parties - mainly from the opposition - and reformasi activists will participate in a peaceful demonstration outside the US embassy this Saturday.

Spokesperson for the reformasi activists, Badrul Hisham Shaharin, told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today that peace-loving people must not allow a war to take place.

He added the reformasi activists will also participate in another gathering organised by the People's Alliance for Peace Malaysia at the Bukit Jalil stadium o­n Feb 23.

"Although the Umno Youth, the youth wing of the ruling party, is the major force behind the gathering, we will still attend the event as we too share the struggle for world peace," said Badrul, who is also Keadilan Youth exco member.

"The organiser of the event should not doubt the intention of the reformasi supporters who would attend the gathering as they will not be there to create trouble, but to show their support for the struggle of world peace," he said.

Unity torch

Badrul estimated that at least 10,000 reformasi supporters would attend the gathering at Bukit Jalil.

The reformasi movement began soon after the sacking of jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim in 1998. A number of major street demonstrations in the capital were organised but this fizzled out after the police took harsh action against the protesters.

The Peace Malaysia gathering will be attended by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who will received a 'unity torch' from the organisers.

According to Peace Malaysia chairperson Zulkifly Alwi, the gathering will kick off at 5pm.

"At about 8.30pm, Mahathir will arrive to receive a unity torch and a anti-war petition with o­ne million signatures from a group superbikers," said Zulkifly, who is also Umno Youth assistant secretary.

"Then there will be speeches from organising chairman Mohd Khir Toyo (also Selangor Mentri Besar), organisation patron Hishammuddin Tun Hussein (Umno Youth chief) and finally Mahathir."

About 30 artistes are expected to perform in a concert held in conjunction of the event.

Among the performers are Siti Nurhaliza, Rabbani, Ella, Zainal Abidin, Soo Ai Ling and Ning Baizura.

Zulkifly put the expected crowd for the Feb 18 gathering at 200,000.