Statement On War In Iraq

Auckland 4.15pm 20 March 2003

Greenpeace deplores this illegal unilateral war on Iraq and calls for an immediate ceasefire and UN General Assembly negotiations for peace and disarmament.

Gerd Leipold, Executive Director of Greenpeace International said:

"This attack is a huge step backwards for international peace and security and heralds the start of a dangerous new world order founded on unilateralism. War is not the solution, it is part of the problem.

The war sets a dangerous precedent for future conflicts with other countries in violation of international treaties, such as India, Pakistan, North Korea and Israel. The US and its allies’ determination to ignore international law also raise serious concerns that war crimes will be committed (1).

Greenpeace fears this war will have devastating human and environmental consequences. We will continue to do whatever is in our power to convince the international community that war is not the path to global security. This attack is a wake up call to all who support peace, democracy and the rule of international law.

We call upon all people, governments and international bodies to redouble their opposition to this illegal war and defend equity and equality. Only then can this war be brought to an early end and a future not determined by the self serving interests of the powerful."

Notes to Editors: (1) see http://nowar.greenpeace.org/downloads/warcrimesr1.pdf

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