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'Rehabilitation not Decapitation' for Iraq
September 27, 2002 12:00 AM
Liberal Democrat Euro-MP Baroness Sarah Ludford, MEP for London and a member of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs committee, joins the broad coalition at the 'Stop the War' march and rally today (Saturday 28/09/02).
Commenting on the situation regarding Iraq, she says:
"Europe must speak with a united and forceful voice to counter US unilateralism and the gung-ho war fever and triumphal imperialism infecting too many in Washington. Talk of pre-emptive strikes to secure conquest and 'regime change' is irresponsible, even though the human rights record of the murderous tyrant Saddam Hussein is truly appalling."
"Liberal Democrats insist the vital necessity is the unconditional return of the weapons inspectors to Iraq, with a robust inspection system leading to disarmament. If Iraq fully complies, the consequence should be the progressive lifting of sanctions. Our aim is rehabilitation, not decapitation."
"Military action could only be justified as an absolutely last resort when all alternatives have been exhausted, if Iraq is proved to be poised to use weapons of mass destruction. Force could not be envisaged outside the authority of the UN and complying with international law. No UK forces should be committed without specific approval of Parliament."
"Account must be taken of the enormous potential consequences for international stability and security of action against Iraq, and dialogue with the Islamic world and Europe's own Muslim communities intensified. An attack without UN authority could increase the risk of terrorists attempting a repeat of 9/11. The Middle East peace process must be revived, to produce a secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state."
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