Plans to protest military action against Iraq were discussed at an anti-war meeting held over the weekend.

People for Peace in the Middle East (PPME), which first formed during the Gulf War but later disbanded, has revived in recognition of recent conflict between the United States and Iraq.

Starlene Rankin, PPME facilitator, said Iowa State students and staff and Ames residents who comprise the organization met Saturday to discuss relations between the United States and Iraq.

She said PPME once again is fully operational, and members are planning to hold rallies this Friday to garner community involvement.

“We’ve talked about the issue and come to the agreement that we want to see the United States make negotiations [with Iraq],” Rankin said.

The rallies will be held at noon outside Beardshear Hall, and at 5 p.m. at the Ames Post Office, 525 Kellogg Ave.

The members of PPME will also hold another meeting Saturday at 3 p.m. in the Ames Public Library, 515 Douglas Ave.

Members are planning to petition Congress to prevent possible bombing and to stop the economic sanctioning of Iraq.

Rankin added that the United Nations has treated Iraqi citizens unfairly by cutting off valuable supplies.

“There are economic sanctions that are hurting people there because they aren’t getting the food and medicine they need,” she said.

Rankin said PPME would also like to conduct educational meetings for the general public on how to contact their U.S. representatives.

“We want to get the word out to the community so that they’ll exercise their right to free speech,” she said.

The United Nations Association also is holding a meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Campanile Room of the Memorial Union. PPME encourages people to support the group’s actions toward peace in Iraq.

Rankin said members of PPME are “taking things one week at a time” and are watching President Clinton’s plans of action.

She said the short-term goal for PPME is to stop the bombing of Iraq, and that members hope to see negotiations take place between the United States and Iraq.

She added that peaceful relations is the chief long-term goal.