Posted on 18-3-2003

Without Peace, Death
by Alan Marston

George Bush is right about one thing, this is a moment of truth for the
world. The truth of course, is not always a comfortable thing to hear and
see, particularly for politicians.

Putting aside for the moment the political leadership responsibleness and
irresponsibleness of nations of which I am not a citizen, the political
leader of New Zealand, where I am, is by her fence-sitting letting other
political leaders get away with murder, not only of thousands of
individuals but of the United Nations. Peace is being left to bleed in the
gutter, nobody is immune to that, no matter how much they try to insulate
themselves with money and power. One has to assume that Bush and Blair know
things mere citizens don't, and that they are confident of a `short war'.
However a just war a short war does not make.

I back Greenpeace in their proposals in a letter to Helen Clark: The United
Nations is being sidelined as the US, Britain and Australia
prepare an unprecedented, illegal and immoral invasion of Iraq. Urging the
adoption of resolution 377 'Uniting for Peace'. A single member
country can propose this resolution and the Secretary General can convene
the General Assembly within 24 hours. There is still time for the General
Assembly to convene and formally vote against this war. For the Prime
Minister to suggest there is no time for this resolution is not correct.
The United Nations needs to assert its relevance and voice and must do
everything it can to oppose this war (invasion), the UN is fighting for its
own life and appears to be lying down meekly.

Convening the General Assembly in the face of an obvious lack of unanimity
within the Security Council would send a powerful signal to
the US, Britain and Australia that the world does not want this war.

George Bush is right about another thing, not opposing an invasion is
supporting it.