Media statement
by Ronnie Liu Tian Khiew, DAP National Publicity Secretary
on Friday, 11 October 2002
in Petaling Jaya

British should not follow the lead of the United States to launch military action against Iraq


It is very clear now, except for the United States and the British governments, the rest of the world do not agree to take military action against Iraq without the endorsement of the United Nations Security Council.

The three permanent members of the UN Security Council, i.e. China, Russia and France, have all voiced their objections together with Germany and many other member nations. They only agreed to send UN inspectors to inspect weapons in Iraq before the UN can decide any military action to be
taken.

We have witnessed strong objections from the Democrats in Capitol Hill this week, and more than 50 Labour MPs have openly defied Tony Blair's decision. We have also witnessed tens of thousands of ordinary British citizens taking the streets to say a big NO to the government's decision to support America.

Saddam Hussein is certainly not a leader that believes in democracy, just like many other political leaders in other parts of the world. But, if the reason to fight Iraq is simply because the Saddam regime is not democratic, then I'm afraid many other regimes in Africa, Asia and Latin America would not be spared- sooner or later. Or would it be a case of selective intervention? Only those who are not in disagreement with Washington and London can continue to rule their countries, whether they are democratic or otherwise, immaterial.

Both Bush and Blair have argued on the need of a regime change in Iraq. But only the people of Iraq have the legitimate right to bring that change. Foreign powers have no legitimacy or moral ground to overthrow the government of any sovereign nation.

Any military action will only result in further instability in an already volatile Middle East. What Bush and Blair should do is to focus their attention on the conflict between Israel and Palestine. The Israel-Palestine conflict is getting more and more complex by the day. It could never be resolved without serious commitment from both the American and British governments, as both governments are enormously influential in the region.

Surely Bush and Blair could learn a thing or two from the former US president, Jimmy Carter, who just won the coveted Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts and contributions to world peace and human rights.