Is the so-called transfer of sovereignty of Iraq, finally justice for the people of Iraq ?

T O D A Y T O D A Y T O D A Y T O D A Y T O D A Y T O D A Y

On June 30th., the U.S. will hand over “sovereignty” to a so-called Iraqi Interim Government (I.I.G.). The U.S. and the U.K. will no doubt claim that this is the end of the occupation. In reality it is nothing of the kind:



· The US will control the bulk of Iraq’s capital budget and the management of its oil resources.

· The US/UK military occupation of Iraq will continue and the US will remain in control of the Iraqi army.

· The I.I.G. will be a selected – not elected body with no democratic mandate. The deadline for the first election is not until 2005, if it does happen.

· The I.I.G. is prohibited from altering any laws that the US has passed during its occupation.

· The US is creating a new secret police force for Iraq which, the Pentagon and the CIA have told the White House, will “allow America to maintain control over the direction of the country. (Sunday Telegraph 4th. Jan)

· The US control will simply be moving to an “embassy” with about 1,000 US and 700 foreign employees (NYT, 28th.April) where “most power will reside” (AP, 21st.March)



Compensation

Iraq was forced to pay massive reparation for its invasion of Kuwait in 1991. The coalition forces should similarly pay appropriate compensation to the Iraqi people for the damage and loss of life incurred in the coalition invasion when the reasons for that invasion have been proved unjustified..

Pollution

Iraq has been wilfully polluted by thousands of tonnes of deadly uranium used mainly by the US forces and by cluster bombs, which continue to maim and kill. The coalition countries should be responsible for a total clean-up in proportion to their separate responsibility for this environmental damage..



But there is no promise of any real justice for the people of Iraq


T O D A Y T O D A Y T O D A Y T O D A Y T O D A Y

Join the rally of protest in Cornmarket, Oxford at 6pm on 28 JUNE.

T O D A Y T O D A Y T O D A Y T O D A Y T O D A Y


Oxford Network for Global Justice and Peace