The imminent American-led war on Iraq reflects nothing but the aggressive policies of the American Administration in the region. Despite the fact that the allegations made by the Bush Administration continue to have no basis, the US Government continues preparations for war. Such American aggression will, indeed, bring more agony, death and destruction and would keep the entire region in the same cycle of violence for generations to come. Having that said, this war would not contribute to peace, security, and stability in the world, especially when this war is in total contravention with the UN Security Council’s Resolution 1441, which does not articulate the use of force against Iraq. We believe that the responsibility of the world peace, security and stability is not that of the US Administration that has repeatedly shown interest in war and colonization, but is rather the responsibility of the UN Security Council and the international community at large.

The Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations’ Network (PNGO) believes that the planned war on Iraq would pave the road for Israel to seize the opportunity to inflict its worst, yet, most comprehensive collective punishment on the Palestinian people on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Such war, we believe would play in the hands of Ariel Sharon, and would be used by the latter to escalate violence against the Palestinians, including continued gradual transfer of the Palestinian people from their homeland.

PNGO calls upon all peace loving people around the world to join us in condemning the American war policies and to speak out loudly to stop it. We appeal to all anti-war movements and those who believe in peace and justice to voice their unequivocal condemnation of any military attack, which will only result in more suffering for the people in the region.