RESIST WAR – SAVE LIVES

The current war on Iraq risks killing tens – or maybe even hundreds – of thousands of civilians.

The Ministry of Defence has stated that Iraq’s electricity system – which powers its hospitals, water treatment and sewage plants – ‘could be a military target, despite warnings that its destruction would cause a humanitarian tragedy’ (Independent on Sunday, 2 Feb). According to Oxfam such attacks on Iraq’s vital infrastructure would breach the Geneva Convention with ‘drastic’ consequences for Iraq’s civilian population.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has stated that British forces will use ‘cluster bombs and depleted uranium (DU) shells in Iraq if necessary’ (Independent, 21 March). The use of such weapons could have a devastating impact on ordinary Iraqis, continuing long after the war has finished.

Please write to Geoff Hoon, Ministry of Defence, Old War Office Building, Whitehall, London SW1A 2HB. Demand:

- that he abide by international humanitarian law and pledge not to attack Iraq’s electricity system or other civilian infrastructure;

- an immediate ban on the use of cluster bombs and Depleted Uranium (DU) weapons;

- AN IMMEDIATE END TO THIS IMMORAL AND ILLEGAL WAR.