AML STATEMENT ON THE WAR ON IRAQ

APRIL 2003

The Association respectfully disagrees with the opinion of the Attorney General, Lord Goldsmith, who, although he finds no explicit authority for the use of force against Iraq in UN Security Council Resolutions 678, 687 and 1441, concludes that the use of force is legal. The Association highlights that Resolution 1441 was voted on unanimously by the Security Council in the expectation that a further resolution authorizing force be debated. For the UK, the US and Australia to undermine international law sets a dangerous precedent for international politics and reduces the likelihood of peace.

The Association condemns and is opposed to the illegal, unjust and immoral invasion of the sovereign state of Iraq. The invasion has no basis in international or domestic law and those taking part in this illegal act will have to account for their actions in causing destruction, deaths of innocent men, women and children together with the death of the Iraqis defending their country. The invasion is further causing the displacement of many Iraqis and thereby creating yet another humanitarian crisis in an area of the world already besieged with problems

George Bush has said, "If any government sponsors the outlaws and killers of innocents, they become outlaws and murderers themselves. And they will take that lonely path at their own peril." The CIA defines terrorism as, "the use of violence for political purposes by individuals or groups whether acting for, or in opposition to established governmental authority." The FBI defines terrorism as, "the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives."

If you apply these definitions to what is being visited on the people of Iraq then these are terrorist acts - and the perpetrators take that lonely path at their own peril.

The Association has organised a seminar to take place on 6th May 2003 looking into the legality of the Government’s action in Iraq and the anti-terrorist legislation brought onto the domestic statute books. This seminar will be the launching pad of a working group of lawyers looking into and where possible challenging any actions that are unjustified.

The Association is also setting up a group of lawyers who will be working within the ambits of the Working Group and with the Association to represent those who feel they are being persecuted because of their religion, race, colour, political persuasion, nationality or their decision to stand for the truth.