[Note: speech in German]

Some 3,500 Germans took to the streets in Berlin on Saturday to protest the increased military spending of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), terming it a threat to regional peace and urging diplomatic efforts to resolve regional conflicts peacefully.

"NATO's policy on strengthening armaments will harm peace. NATO stands on the opposite side of peace. It is not a defensive alliance, but an offensive one. NATO has done a lot of things, but all of them are mistakes. By strengthening armaments and conducting military drills, NATO has done nothing for peace. What NATO did has made the situation even worse," said Barbara Majd Amin, the organizer of the protest.

"We see clearly always. When there are arms races, it doesn't increase peace to arm yourself. To increase defense budget, it actually increases the risk of war," said Jacob, a protester.

Some protesters said the peace and friendly relations among the European countries must be restored, especially the relations with Russia, which should be done through diplomatic negotiations rather than military means.

"Instead of military buildup, we should pursue diplomatic efforts. Diplomacy must be strengthened. Nobody wants wars. Everyone wants development and peace," said Siegfried Alt, another protester.

SHOTLIST

Berlin, Germany - March 30, 2024
1. Protesters on street;
2. SOUNDBITE (German) Barbara Majd Amin, protest organizer (partially overlaid with shots 3-5):
"NATO's policy on strengthening armaments will harm peace. NATO stands on the opposite side of peace. It is not a defensive alliance, but an offensive one. NATO has done a lot of things, but all of them are mistakes. By strengthening armaments and conducting military drills, NATO has done nothing for peace. What NATO did has made the situation even worse.";
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]
3. Protest in progress; protesters;
4. Protesters holding banners;

FILE: Brussels, Belgium - June 16, 2023
5. Flag of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO);
[SHOTS OVERLAYING SOUNDBITE]

Berlin, Germany - March 30, 2024
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Jacob, protester (name not given):
"We see clearly always. When there are arms races, it doesn't increase peace to arm yourself. To increase defense budget, it actually increases the risk of war.";
7. Various of protesters;
8. SOUNDBITE (German) Siegfried Alt, protester (starting with shot 7):
"Instead of military buildup, we should pursue diplomatic efforts. Diplomacy must be strengthened. Nobody wants wars. Everyone wants development and peace.";
9. Traffic on road;

FILE: Berlin, Germany - 2018
10. Reichstag building, national flags of Germany.

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