SNP calls for condemnation of Iraq war
The Scottish National Party (SNP) has called on the Scottish Parliament to brand the Iraq war illegal.
In a debate on Wednesday the SNP will seek backing for its motion that the “war in Iraq was both illegal and based on a deception as evidenced by the failure to find weapons of mass destruction”.
It further argues that “any foreign troops on Iraqi soil should be brought under UN command, and that current coalition forces should be replaced – on a phased basis – by those drawn from non western preferably Muslim countries pending the restoration of full sovereignty and the consent of the Iraqi people.”
The SNP’s leader, John Swinney said: “The overwhelming majority of Scots – some 87 percent according to a recent poll – want our troops to come home. This debate is Parliament’s chance to speak for the nation as a whole.
“If we do that, Scotland has a chance to play an important role in finding an exit strategy for our troops from Iraq. What is clear is that despite the professionalism shown by our armed forces, they are viewed as an army of occupation by ordinary Iraqis.
“Real sovereignty must be restored, with security guaranteed by a UN commanded force drawn, not from the troops who fought the war, but from other Muslim nations. The phased replacement of US and UK troops by Muslim forces will be a massive step forward in breaking the spiral of violence in which Iraq is currently caught.
“My call to MSPs on Wednesday will be to back this exit strategy. We can help force Tony Blair into ending his Iraqi adventure, bringing our troops home and delivering peace to the people of Iraq. That is an aim that I hope MSPs of all parties will support.”
Speaking during the debate on Wednesday, First Minister Jack McConnell rejected the charge that the war was illegal, arguing instead that it was “successful in removing the world’s worst dictator”
The Scottish Labour Party is likely to seek to emphasise the forthcoming June 30th handover date, as well as the UK’s stated position that its troops will only remain in Iraq with the consent of the sovereign government.
The Scottish Liberal Democrats seem likely to take a middle road. So whilst condemning the decision to go to war and stating that as a “consequence the world is now a more dangerous place”, it is likely to accept that UK troops should remain at present to maintain stability.
The Green and Socialist parties are believed to support the anti war position, whilst the Scottish Conservatives’ intentions are not yet known.
