Jakarta – A group of 22 youths from the Democratic Socialist Coalition staged a sit down protest outside the US embassy here on Tuesday to begin a one-day hunger strike against possible US military action on Iraq.

AFP reported they sat behind a strip of concrete erected recently as a security measure to block traffic from the lanes closest to the embassy.

They said they were starting a hunger strike for 24 hours to protest against possible US military action against Iraq over Baghdad's alleged weapons of mass destruction.

"We know that you are blind and deaf. You will never listen to our demands. But some day every working class person in the world will stand against you. You will be forced to swallow your shame just like in Vietnam," a statement issued by the group said.

"America is the mastermind of every terrorist act," said a sign carried by the group, which set up a small tent in the area.

Police said they planned to remove the protesters at 1100 GMT because demonstrations after that time are against the law.