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6th February 2003
Sinn Fein calls on US and British Embassies to pull back from war on Iraq
A delegation of Sinn Fein TDs led by the party's Dáil Group leader Caoimhghin Ó Caolàin this morning handed in letters to both the US and British embassies in Ballsbridge calling on both countries to pull back from engaging in a war on Iraq. The letter also expressed Sinn Fein's view that the UN inspectors should be allowed to continue with their work and that they provided the best opportunity to rid Iraq of any alleged weapons of mass destruction.
The letter to the US Embassy states, ``As Irish elected representatives we feel it is our duty to appeal, through you, to the United States Government, to heed the voices of concern in our country and in countries throughout the world at this time of international crisis.
It goes on to say that ``it is universally agreed that military attack would have catastrophic consequences not only in Iraq itself but throughout the Middle East and worldwide. The innocent civilian population of Iraq will suffer most.''
Calling for the UN weapon inspectors to be allowed more time the letter states, ``the issue of weapons of mass destruction allegedly held by Iraq is currently being dealt with in a most comprehensive manner under the auspices of the United Nations, a process which has the full support of UN members. That process should be allowed to continue, as it is the best guarantee that if the alleged weapons exist then they will be found.''
Before concluding the letter says that Sinn Fein ``appreciates the very constructive role this and previous US Administrations have played in the Irish peace process- It is because of our belief m dialogue and negotiation to achieve the peaceful resolution of conflicts that we are making this appeal to your Government,'' It is signed by Sinn Fein's five TDs. ENDS
Copy of Letter to US Embassy
Jane Benton Fort
Chargé d'Affaires
United States Embassy
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4.As Irish elected representatives we feel it is our duty to appeal, through you, to the United States Government, to heed the voices of concern in our country and in countries throughout the world at this time of international crisis. Your Government has built up massive military forces in the Gulf region in preparation for an assault on Iraq and it is universally agreed that such an attack would have catastrophic consequences not only in Iraq itself but throughout the Middle East and worldwide. Many Iraqi, American and other lives will be lost. The innocent civilian population of Iraq will suffer most.
We must convey to you our strongly held belief that not only is a military attack not the way to resolve the dispute between Iraq and the United States but that it will have hugely damaging consequences for international relations on many levels. The issue of weapons of mass destruction allegedly held by Iraq is currently being dealt with in a most comprehensive manner under the auspices of the United Nations, a process which has the full support of UN members. That process should be allowed to continue, as it is the best guarantee that if the alleged weapons exist then they will be found.
As Sinn Fein representatives we deeply appreciate the very constructive role this and previous US Administrations have played in the Irish peace process. That role is recognised in Ireland and worldwide as a most positive aspect of US foreign policy. It is because of our belief in dialogue and negotiation to achieve the peaceful resolution of conflicts that we are making this appeal to your Government. We urge the US Government to desist from war preparations in the Gulf, not to proceed with a military attack on Iraq and to allow the United Nations to take the lead in the achievement of a peaceful resolution.
Is sinne
Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD, Dáil group leader
Seán Crowe TD
Martin Ferris TD
Arthur Morgan TD
Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD.Copy of letter to British Embassy
Ivor Roberts
British Ambassador
British Embassy
Ballsbridge
Dublin 4.Dear Ambassador,
As Irish elected representatives we feel it is our duty to appeal, through you, to the British Government, to heed the voices of concern in our country and in countries throughout the world at this time of international crisis. Your Government has taken part in the build-up of massive military forces in the Gulf region in preparation for an assault on Iraq and it is universally agreed that such an attack would have catastrophic consequences not only in Iraq itself but throughout the Middle East and worldwide. Many Iraqi, British, American and other lives will be lost. The innocent civilian population of Iraq will suffer most.
We must convey to you our strongly held belief that not only is a military attack not the way to resolve this dispute but that it will have hugely damaging consequences for international relations on many levels. The issue of weapons of mass destruction allegedly held by Iraq is currently being dealt with in a most comprehensive manner under the auspices of the United Nations, a process which has the full support of UN members. That process should be allowed to continue, as it is the best guarantee that if the alleged weapons exist then they will be found.
We urge the British Government to desist from war preparations in the Gulf, not to proceed with a military attack on Iraq and to allow the United Nations to take the lead in the achievement of a peaceful resolution.
Is sinne
Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin TD
Seán Crowe TD
Martin Ferris TD
Arthur Morgan TD
Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD.
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