17 December 1998
Open Letter to
The Secretary General of the United Nations
The Members of the United Nations
The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom is joining in the
world wide protest of the unlawful bombing of Iraq by the US and British
government.
This outrageously aggressive attack has lead to death and destruction. It
neither restores democracy, nor will it convince the Iraqi government to
cooperate regarding weapons inspections.
The reasons given by the US and UK governments for this latest bombing can
barely hide their desire for exerting global control through military
might. By showing military superiority, they are attempting to cover their
failed leadership in finding political solutions to international conflicts
and global as well as domestic problems. Mutually accepted and respectful
political settlements are the only way to ensure stable democracy, peace
and respect of international obligations.
We strongly urge the members of the United Nations Security Council to
denounce the unilateral military action against Iraq as a violations of the
UN Charter. The double standard regarding the implementation of UN
resolutions and ignoring ongoing military action taken by one country
against another, is causing growing bitterness among people throughout the
world.
We call on the Secretary General of the UN to demand an immediate halt of
the bombing and to address the seriousness of these violations of the UN
Charter.
The UN is responsible for overseeing the UNSCOM weapons inspection program,
and only the UN Security Council can legally authorize military action
against Iraq. We urge you to undertake a thorough examination of the
reasons, why this process was not put into place. The difficulties in
carrying out this mission do not justify for a military strike.
Furthermore, we ask you to investigate the allegations made against the
objectivity of UNSCOM. The integrity of the organization is at stake if
such allegations go unanswered.
This is the third unilateral military attack of a sovereign country by the
US government, in this year alone. The violation of the UN Charter and the
disrespect of the UN has been declared as its legitimate right by the US
government. We see in this development a severe danger for world peace and
a serious erosion of the framework of the UN. We call on all member states,
not to accept this trend in silence and to make serious and meaningful
efforts to maintain and restore the basic principles of international laws
and agreements.
Sincerely,
Bruna Nota Barbara
Lochbihler
International President Secretary General
Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
International Secretariat
1, rue de Varembe
C.P. 28
1211 Geneva 20
Tel: +41 22 733 61 75
Fax: +41 22 740 10 63
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