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Note: Germany will be a Security Council member 2003-2005. Note: To pass, a Security Council resolution requires 9 votes and no vetoes. Note: Germany will hold the Security Council presidency in February 2003. Note: Germany chairs the 661 (sanctions) Committee. German Official Statements on a War on Iraq, Disarmament and Inspections * German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer * German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder *********************************** Source: Security Council, 4688th meeting, S/PV.4688, provisional verbatim transcript German Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer, statement to Security Council meeting on “Combating Terrorism”, 20 January 2003 [begin] Allow me to comment here on the current situation. We are greatly concerned that a military strike against the regime in Baghdad would involve considerable and unpredictable risks for the global fight against terrorism. We have no illusions about the brutal nature of Saddam Hussein’s regime. Therefore, we all demand that Baghdad implement the relevant United Nations resolutions in full and without exceptions. However, in addition to disastrous consequences for long-term regional stability, we also fear possible negative repercussions for the joint fight against terrorism. These are fundamental reasons for our rejection of military action. What we need is a system of global cooperative security. Asymmetrical conflicts in particular must be countered with an international system of sanctions and verification mechanisms. It is the United Nations that provides us with the appropriate global framework for that. Thirdly, our fight must always be legitimized under international law. It must respect national and international law, human rights and the United Nations Charter. Human rights in particular should not be suspended under the pretext of combating terrorism. After all, this fight is not only about defending our security, but also about our fundamental values – freedom, democracy and human rights. Let me say once more that we cannot achieve these goals without the international coalition against terrorism. We must preserve and cultivate it, and it would be best if we did so within the framework of the United Nations. [end] *********************************** Source: Dafna Linzer, “U.S. Poised for Military Action in Iraq, Allies Say There’s No Justification Now for War, Associated Press, 21 January 2003 German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder [begin] Don't expect Germany to approve a resolution legitimizing war, don't expect it. [end] *********************************** Source: Paul Carrel, France, “Germany Oppose Rush Into Iraq War”, Reuters, 22 January 2003, http://www.reuters.com/newsArticle.jhtml;jsessionid=B2QUEGVKDDPYICRBAELCFFA?type=worldNews&storyID=2091751 German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder, joint press encounter with French President Jacques Chirac following Fortieth anniversary of the Elysée Treaty, 22 January 2003 [begin] We [Germany and France] agree completely to harmonize our positions as closely as possible to find a peaceful solution to the Iraq crisis. [end] *********************************** Nathaniel Hurd Consultant on United Nations Iraq policy Tel. (Mobile): 917-407-3389 Fax: 718-504-4224 Residential Address: 90 7th Ave. Apt. #6 Brooklyn, NY 11217 _________________________________________________________________ MSN 8 helps eliminate e-mail viruses. Get 2 months FREE*. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus _______________________________________________ Sent via the discussion list of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq. To unsubscribe, visit http://lists.casi.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/casi-discuss To contact the list manager, email casi-discuss-admin@lists.casi.org.uk All postings are archived on CASI's website: http://www.casi.org.uk