Anti-war and anti-NATO activists are planning their annual protest outside Naval Station Rota in Spain this weekend.

The 19th annual “Marcha a Rota” will start at noon Sunday in front of Rota’s Cemetery. The protest is expected to last three hours, according to organizers.

This year’s protest is expected to focus on the U.S. military’s effort to rebuild and provide stability in Iraq.

Fliers promoting the protest revolve around the rallying cry of “No to War” with or without the United Nations and a call for the bases to close.

The Web site www.lacasadelapaz.org — organized by anti-military activists — listed information about the protest along with a link with information about the “Iraqi resistance.”

The annual event draws mostly protesters from outside the Rota area and includes socialists, environmentalists and college students. One year, more than 10,000 people participated.

Lt. Allie Freeman, a naval station spokeswoman, said base radio station 102.5 FM will give updates on possible gate closures. Americans stationed at the base are encouraged to avoid such protests.

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