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The following is a statement of the YPSL National Executive Committee Iraqi civilians, international journalists and troops on both sides have paid with their lives for the US led invasion of Iraq. Iraq's cities have been bombed and looted. The future unity of Iraq and its ethnic and religious groups is in jeopardy. The US policy of supporting Saddam Hussein and ignoring human rights then imposing an inhumane blockade for twelve years and finally initiating a war to force regime change has consistently failed the Iraqi people. Nevertheless, we celebrate the end of Saddam Hussein's rule and the dismantling of his Ba'thist party. We call on the UN to immediately lift the blockade against Iraq and allow the Iraqi people to engage in trade on their own terms - not those of western nations or multinational corporations. The Afghan experience of getting an oil pipeline and little else is unacceptable and should not be repeated. We also call upon the UN to expand its ban on weapons sales to Iraq to the entire Middle East. The militarization of the Middle East is a major obstacle to peace. YPSL strongly opposes any foreign occupation of Iraq. The US Army is an organization designed to fight wars, not protect civil order. Most US soldiers do not know a word of Arabic or Kurdish, let alone how to police a city. As stipulated by the Geneva Conventions, the US has a responsibility to protect Iraq's hospitals and museums but this cannot be used as an excuse for long term occupation or meddling in Iraqi political affairs. We stand in solidarity with the call of the Iraqi Communist Party for "an Independent and Unified Federal Democratic Iraq." Although the voices of the Iraqi people have gone largely unheard by the US corporate media, the ICP has taken a leadership role inside Iraq, calling for an "Iraq of peace, freedom and dignity." We call upon all legitimately organized popular interests within Iraq to unite in forming an inclusive interim government with representation based on popular support. Elections must be held as soon as possible to ratify a new democratic government. The UN must play a neutral role in assisting the Iraqi people. The UN has a valuable role to play in coordinating immediate aid efforts but should only offer further assistance when requested from a legitimate Iraqi government. The Kurdish Regional Government in northern Iraq already enjoys considerable autonomy and represents a positive force for democracy and freedom. We strongly oppose any attempts by Turkey to invade or destabilize the KRG. We are hopeful that a federal system between the KRG and the rest of Iraq will protect the rights and interests of all citizens but recognize the right of the KRG to declare its independence if it so chooses. With such uncertain times ahead for Iraq there is great potential for both advancement and disaster. Now more than ever it is critical that we support the people of Iraq and our comrades who bravely struggle for peace, democracy and freedom in Iraq. YPSL PO Box 541468 Waltham, MA 02454 www.ypsl.org ypsl@ypsl.org Iraqi Communist Party: www.iraqcp.org/framse1/ Socialist Party of Kurdistan: www.kurdistan.nu/english.htm Young People's Socialist League (US) www.ypsl.org |