January 24, 2003 LETTER FROM BAGHDAD Dear Friends, From 3rd- 8th January 2003 a group of NGO representatives and former UN officials was able to meet with cabinet ministers in Baghdad including Deputy Prime Minister Tariq Aziz, Foreign Minister Nagi Sabri and Oil Minister Amer Mohammed Rashid, as well as to talk with doctors, teachers and scientists. We had the opportunity to meet ordinary Iraqis and visit sites recently inspected for weapons of mass destruction. The aim was to contribute to efforts to prevent war and to gather information not available in the western press, particularly with regard to the human situation. Attached is a brief summary of a very intense series of visits, as well as suggestions responding to the frequent question asked by citizens of western countries "What can we do to help prevent war?" Please circulate these documents as widely as possible, asking NGOs and individuals to act quickly on the practical suggestions offered. Your help will be very valuable. With warm wishes. http://www.transnational.org/forum/meet/2003/Elworthy_IraqLetter.html more: http://www.oxfordresearchgroup.org.uk/1programmes-conflict-baghdad.htm