"Don't participate in bombing of Iraq," says Canada’s largest umbrella peace group
February 19, 2002 – for immediate release
Toronto – In an open letter to the Prime Minister of Canada, the Canadian Peace Alliance today endorsed Prime Minister Jean Chrétien’s refusal to commit to a bombing campaign against Iraq.
The Canadian Peace Allliance hopes that the Government of Canada and other Western governments will be able to convince the Bush Administration to refrain from taking military action against Iraq and to looking to non-military approaches to address international conflict and terrorist threats.
"Air strikes against Iraq will compound an already-serious human rights situation," said Carolyn Bassett, Coordinator of the Canadian Peace Alliance. "They cannot be justified."
The Canadian Peace Alliance noted that to date, no evidence has been put forward linking the Government of Iraq to the terrorist acts of September 11. Moreover, the peace coalition is concerned that the dismal human rights situation in the countries, already exacerbated by 11 years of highly punitive sanctions, may be further worsened by military actions against Iraq.
"It is irrational and cruel to kill the innocent people of Iraq because we condemn Sadam Hussein," added Amira Elias, a volunteer with the Canadian Peace Alliance who is originally from Iraq.
The Canadian Peace Alliance is Canada's largest umbrella peace organization.
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Background materials:
Bombing campaign against Iraq would be criminal, say Canadian Peace Alliance and Canadian Network to End Sanctions on Iraq (press release, November 29 2001).
End Sanctions against Iraq. Brief to the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade prepared in 2000.