Quakers in Britain - Statement on Iraq

War with Iraq might kill vast numbers of people already suffering the effects of economic sanctions. We fear that it would extend violence across the region, globally even, creating more violence and suffering in the future. It would encourage extremists and violent insurgents. Weapons of mass destruction might be used by either side. No ends justify such means. War would also intensify religious and ethnic conflict within our own communities in the UK. The policies of industrialised countries, including the UK, have contributed to the causes of the current conflict over decades.

Acknowledgement of this is part of the way forward. Extensive military exports to Iraq from the UK, among other nations, in recent decades escalated the danger. The UK remains one of the world's largest exporters of arms, including arms to repressive governments. Failure to abolish weapons of mass destruction encourages their acquisition by Iraq. The importance of Gulf oil leads to attempts to control the region and subverts the proper goals of peace and stability. It is particularly disturbing that the US Government seeks to impose change of regime in Iraq. There are alternatives to military action. The United States and Iraq should listen to the basis of one another's real concerns. Economic sanctions should cease. The negotiated return of weapons inspectors is vital, as is aid for the Iraqi people. Exporting arms to the region must stop. Unilateral action by any State against another is contrary to international law and deeply damaging to the principles governing peaceful international relations. Any decision on an international approach to Iraq should take place within the United Nations Security Council and respect the principles of the UN Charter. We are concerned that the function and authority of the UN Security Council and General Assembly are being eroded. We ask the Government to respect the highest standards of truth and integrity in public affairs. Continued talk of good and evil whips up fear and detracts from cool consideration of all options, seemingly excluding peaceful alternatives. The gravity of the situation demands honest open debate. Quakers are opposed to all war. It is not the divine way. In our experience the use of violence generates more violence. Global peace will become possible only if the international community accept a common responsibility for collective security. We pray that God's grace will lead all concerned to wisdom and restraint.

Signed for Britain Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends, September 2002