Statement on Iraq

A letter returned to me by a Labour Councillor in Bristol (UK) regarding War
on Iraq…



Statement on Iraq * Bristol Labour group

Bristol Labour Group Leader Diane Bunyan today issues the following
statement on behalf of the Labour Group, Bristol City Council.

"We decided to make a public statement of the Labour group position on Iraq
because Labour councillors have spoken with many, many people in Bristol who
want to know where we stand on this important issue.

"For a democracy to go to war, its' leaders must present an overwhelming
case for military action as the option of last resort. While people in
Bristol are anxious to see Saddam Hussein answer for his human rights abuses
against the Kurds, Shi'ites and even his own people, they find it difficult
to understand how military action in Iraq will benefit international
security. And while I support Tony Blair in his considerable achievement in
bringing the US to consult with the UN, I feel that it would be unwise to
take military action against Iraq at this time.

If the UN inspectors report that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction and
insists on retaining them then it should be for the UN Security council to
determine what action should be taken and not the US. There can be no
justification for unilateral military action by anyone.

This is a complicated international situation and the British peace
movement, with active support from Bristol, has become usefully engaged with
clarifying the issues, and making their views known. While I
support intervention, I do not support war. I consider that disarming Saddam
Hussein without military action remains an option and should be supported
with further weapons inspections and more time. Crucially any future action
in dealing with Iraq must be carried out by the UN."

>>> "marc.garrett" <[email protected]> 27/01/03 16:08:43 >>>
Dear Helga Benson and Dudley Saward,

I am aware that you are caught in an awkward place between complying to the
demands of your work-code and the needs of the people during this ever, war
ridden world. But there comes a time when honour is asked for, by the
citizens who voted you in.

I plead to you to rattle your conscience to find it in your heart to be
brave enough to challenge the imposed protocol (default) of pulling ranks.
And declare to the world that you do not wish to be a part of this (obvious)
extermination of even more civilians, via an Iraq invasion. If you, as a
human being can feel genuine empathy towards others around the world who
have been exploited for oil and profit, now is the time to stand proud among
the many who do not want to see yet more blameless souls demolished for
greed. You know this is of great importance and you also know that there are
more people against Bush's and the UK's governments stance, than for it. It
is wrong and this sort of act of killing people should be outlawed as soon
as possible.

Please do not fall in file and rank for the sake of your job. There is much
more at stake. No more shifting aside and complicit denial for pure sadism.
As a clear and real (honest) gesture for all concerned I am asking you to
try in all your power to stop this killing, by resigning and telling your
labour comrades and the media, your friends, the world what wonderful act
you are performing by liberating yourself as a new ambassador for
humanitarian causes.

If you do not wish to be part of a world that questions the killing of many
innocent people, please let me know what is more important?

Marc Garrett
X Labour Voter
[email protected]