Security Council resolution (will Ireland vote for US-UK proposition)

["D OC" <donaloc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The US-UK need 9 votes from the UN Security Council and no vetoes from the
Permanent members for their 'war' resolution to go through. They will likely
require either Mexico or the Twenty-Six Counties (aka Irish Republic) to
support them. As Mexico is pretty annoyed with Bush over visas and
immigration, the attention is turning on Brian 'Biffo' Cowen's vote.
Unfortunately, given Fianna Fáil's spinelessness, their interdependency on
US FDI and the manner in which they allow US military planes to land (and
what else) in Shannon airport, I can't see him voting no or abstaining. As a
final note, those who have worked so hard in organising anti-war actions are
to be congratulated and can see how their efforts reinforce efforts to stop
the war elsewhere.
Sinn Féin TD's Statement:

Government urged to oppose war on Iraq

Speaking during statements on Iraq in the Dáil on Wednesday, Sinn Féin
spokesperson on International Affairs and Defense, Aengus Ó Snodaigh called
on the government to strongly oppose the launching of a new war against Iraq
by the US and British governments. He also called for an immediate cessation
of the practice of giving permission to foreign states to refuel, resupply,
and train military aircraft in Irish airports and Irish airspace, and to use
Irish seaports for their naval vessels.

"Whenever political leaders contemplate aggressive military action, it is
incumbent upon them - indeed, upon us all - to weigh the human consequences
of these decisions," he said. "There can be no dispute that civilians in
Iraq have suffered profound deprivation and hardship as a result of the last
Gulf War and the ongoing sanctions.

"Several weeks ago an MRBI opinion poll showed that fully 59% of Irish
people do not want another war on Iraq, and believe that Ireland should vote
against any UN Security Council resolution authorising military action.
These sentiments are being reflected around the world, as anti-war
mobilisations in the US are rivalling and beginning to surpass any
resistance to the Vietnam War. There is a parallel growing resistance to
this war in Britain, and the anti-war movement is also gathering support in
this country.

"Sinn Féin requested an urgent, full debate on this issue as our first order
of business when the House reconvened nearly two months ago. This request
was denied by the government. The Oireachtas has still not properly debated
this very crucial issue to this day.

"Instead, what we have is the ongoing use of Shannon airport as a pitstop on
the way to war, on the basis of a Ministerial order. We have a government
that refuses to even consult with the Dáil, much less seek its approval on
this issue - despite the concerns and objections that have been consistently
raised in this House and outside of it.

"And today - despite last week's assurances by the Taoiseach that there
would be a debate on this issue - we have an anaemic round of 'statements',
following which the government will likely continue to do as it pleases - in
defiance of the both the Irish people and the Constitution. This is a
disgrace.

"Sinn Féin again calls on the Irish government to strongly oppose the
launching of a new war against Iraq by the US and British governments. This
government must use all its political and diplomatic resources in the UN and
EU to promote a peaceful solution. Ireland must use its role on Security
Council to prevent this war, which if it goes ahead will destabilise the
region."


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