War almost
over, but it doesn't make it right
War in Iraq, what a tragedy. The fact that it is coming
to an end does not make it right - it was wrong.
These were the words of respected international campaigner
and NEC member John McFadden in his retiral speech at Scottish
Council, the meeting of Scottish UNISON branches on 12 April.
UNISON issued a statement on 7 April standing by its position
that any military action without the explicit authority of the
United Nations Security Council would be unjustifiable, against
international law and the requirements of the UN Charter.
However, it recognised that once war began, many UNISON members
were directly involved in the military action or have family
amongst the British armed forces. Many others are directly involved
in supporting the war effort including treating the injured.
All effort should now be concentrated on maintaining the safety
of the British troops and avoiding further casualties.
The statement calls on the Government to:-
- Reopen diplomatic discussions to achieve an urgent solution
to the Iraqi crisis.
- Commit to a UN solution and take steps to rebuild
confidence in the authority of the UN.
- Work through the UN to deliver an extensive package of humanitarian
aid to Iraq.
- Disassociate from the US's stated aim to unilaterally take
control of the reconstruction of Iraq, and instead insist
the UN should oversee this.
- Make urgent plans to hand over the post war civil administration
either to a UN interim government or to an elected coalition
of the democratic forces which oppose Saddam Hussein.
- Make every effort to rebuild relations with our European
partners to ensure their full support and involvement in rebuilding
Iraq and the humanitarian aid programme.
- Ensure immediate publication of the Road Map' to peace
including the creation of a viable Palestinian state based
on 1967 borders.
See the full statement at www.unison.org.uk/international/news_view.asp?did=738
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