International Catalan Institute for Peace denounces a 5.9% increase in arms expenditure

Barcelona (ACN).- Despite the worldwide economic crisis 2009 was a record year for arms expenditure. There was a 5.9% increase compared with 2008 and a 49% increase compared with 2000, with a total of 1,531 billion dollars spent on arms. The president of the International Catalan Institute for Peace, Rafael Grasa, denounced these expenditures during a declaration on International Peace Day. He also called for the abolition of the 7,500 nuclear warheads that are currently operative.

The Institute for Peace is currently exhibiting 'Paraules Descalces. Dones fent Pau', a photo exhibition that chronicles the lives of 13 women in Palestine and Israel. The photos can be seen on the Gran Via Avenue in Barcelona.