Erklärung

Reaktion von pax christi Flandern auf die Bombardierung von Bagdad

Your Excellency,

We are shocked by the U.S. and U.K. bombing raids on the Iraqi capital of Bagdad, started on Fridayevening 16 February 2001. Our organisation, which is closely following the political developments in the Middle East, condemns these attacks and requests that they be stopped immediately, since innocent civilians became victim or died.

It is clear to us such military actions will not contribute to a solution for the political problems they claim to address. Our organisation advocates an intensification of the diplomatic efforts to supervise and ultimately eliminate weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and elsewhere.

In this regard, we consider the sanctions against Iraq counterproductive. They are victimising the whole population. We request the lifting of the sanctions.

From 15 untill 22 February 2001, an international delegation of our movement is visiting Israel and the Palestinian Territories, in order to encourage groups and individuals looking for a way out of the current violence and the deadlock in the peace process. It's our conviction that the U.S. and U.K. bombing of Bagdad is not contributing to peace and stability in the region, on the contrary. We sincerely hope that these military actions are not an indication of the U.S. foreign policy approach for the next four years.

Our organisation is interested to meet you in the near future to further discuss the developments in the Middle East, including the recommendations of our delegation visiting Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Respectfully Yours,

Jef Van Hecken, Karel Vanspringel,

secretary general president

pax christi Deutschland

Pax Christi International

Erklärung