Alliance and SDLP speak out against war

Alliance Assembly member Seamus Close has slammed the Prime Minister and President Bush for fracturing the UN over their plans to invade Iraq.

The British/US led diplomatic venture to secure international support for military action against Saddam Hussein's regime was effectively ended at the weekend. After the so-called 'coalition of the willing' – the US, Britain and Spain – failed to propose a second UN resolution, President Bush issued an ultimatum yesterday demanding Hussein's exile within two days. Britain's 45,000 troops stationed in the Gulf region are now readying themselves for war.

Mr Close said: "The imminent invasion of Iraq is wrong. Bush and Blair say that they feel threatened, so they are going to attack first. That message, 'get your boot in first', is typical of the thug and bully, and no way for so-called democratic leaders to act.

"They have kicked diplomacy and democracy into touch. Both Bush and Blair claim to be Christians, yet they appear to ignore the fundamental message of Christ - 'love your enemy'. Through their bullyboy tactics they have succeeded in fracturing the United Nations, the European Union, NATO and the civilised world.

He added: "They will subject tens of thousands of innocent Iraqi citizens to death and destruction and then attempt to tell the rest of the world that it is for the good of the Iraqi people. They have already started to give a new meaning humanitarian: destroy first, then rebuild."

As the debate in the Commons rages on over a possible war in Iraq, an SDLP MP has indicated that he will not be supporting the government's position.

South Down MP Eddie McGrady said that there was not enough evidence to "justify" military action.

He said: "War does not resolve conflicts nor remove problems, it only creates the unnecessary killing and maiming of innocent individuals, and the unwarranted destruction of properties, leading to famine, disease and the further alienation of those who are most vulnerable."

Mr McGrady said that the only way to neutralise the threats posed by countries possessing weapons of mass destruction was through "political dialogue and negotiation".

The only justification for war, he said, would be derived from a second UN resolution – which is clearly not possible.

For their part, the Ulster Unionist MP's have backed the government's stance on Iraq.

(GMcG)