Statements
of Support from Member Nations of
The
Coalition for the Immediate Disarmament of Iraq
Afghanistan:
“The
Muslim people of Afghanistan, who have suffered much hardship from
dictatorial regimes of the last two decades, want the elimination
of despotism by the liberated will of the people of Iraq... The
emergence of a united and independent Iraq, based on the will of
the people, will be helpful to peace and stability of the region
and the world.”�
–
Statement by the Government, March 20, 2003
Albania:���������������������
“We
give unreserved support to the efforts by the United States and
we are proud to be alongside our allies in the fight for liberation
of Iraqi people… and [Albania] is also proud to unconditionally
offer our airspace, land and ports to the United States and other
countries taking part in the coalition against Iraq.”
–
Albanian Prime Minister Nano, March 20, 2003
Australia:������������������
“The
Government has decided to commit Australian forces to action to
disarm Iraq because we believe it is right, it is lawful and it's
in Australia's national interest.� We are determined to join other
countries to deprive Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction, its
chemical and biological weapons, which even in minute quantities
are capable of causing death and destruction on a mammoth scale.”�
–
Prime Minister Howard, March 20, 2003
Azerbaijan:
“Azerbaijan
is an active participant in the US-led international anti-terror
coalition in all its forms and manifestations... Azerbaijan supports
the efforts of the international coalition aimed at the speediest
resolution of the Iraqi crisis and calls for respect for the principles
of international humanitarian law during the implementation of the
military operation in Iraq... Azerbaijan is expressing its readiness
to take part in the humanitarian rehabilitation in post-conflict
Iraq.”�
–
Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, March 21, 2003
Bolivia:
“The
diplomatic channel cannot go on forever, because otherwise nobody
would pay attention to the UN... We must acknowledge that the Government
of Iraq is an element of world instability.”�
–
Foreign Minister Saavedra, March 18, 2003
Bulgaria:
“Iraq
refused to disarm as wanted by the international community, and
hence chose to face the ‘serious consequences’... The
weapons of mass destruction that Iraq possesses are a threat to
peace and security... The world community must counter this threat
in a categorical manner.”
–
Prime Minister Simeon Saxe–Coburg–Gotha, March 19, 2003
Colombia:
“We
are part of the coalition, along with countries such as the U.S.,
Spain, England... Many of these peoples, such as Colombians, have
withstood terrorism and, like us, they know that this scourge –
terrorism – must be made to end so that we can live peacefully...
Fellow countrymen: To request solidarity, we have to express solidarity.”
–
President Uribe, March 20, 2003
Costa
Rica:
“We
are loyal allies of loyal friends."�
–
President Abel Pacheco, March 21, 2003
Czech
Republic:
“The
Government of the Czech Republic states with regret that the Iraqi
leadership has for so long been failing to meet its obligations...
The Government of the Czech Republic views the operation of coalition
forces as the last usable means leading to the fulfillment of the
relevant UN resolutions... The Government of the Czech Republic
reaffirms in this situation that the Czech Army NBCR battalion,
deployed as part of the Enduring Freedom operation, is ready to
take part in emergency and humanitarian activities in case WMD are
used or are suspected to be used against civilian populations or
coalition forces, as well as to deal with consequences of possible
disasters in the area of its deployment."
–
Statement by the Government of the Czech Republic, March 20, 2003
Denmark:
�“If
on every occasion we allow a ruthless dictator to go free, because
we do not like war, we risk paying a very high price... That is
why we must move into action.� We cannot simply stand by and watch
as a ruthless dictator seriously and persistently violates UN decisions."
–
Prime Minister Rasmussen, March 21, 2003
Dominican
Republic:
“The
Dominican Government is standing beside the people and the Government
of the United States in the present situation of war with Iraq...
No one wants war, no one anywhere in the world wants war, especially
not in the United States, but within the framework of the policy
of being a good neighbor, our closest friends are, precisely, the
Government and people of the United States.”�
–
Government Spokesman Gonzalez Fabra, March 20, 2003
El
Salvador:
“The
Government of El Salvador laments that the negative and dilatory
attitude of Saddam Hussein has brought war to the people of Iraq...
In this regard, the Government of El Salvador continues to provide
its political and diplomatic support to the coalition headed by
the United States and Great Britain as well as its commitment to
provided specialized forces for work in postwar Iraq.”�
–
Statement by the Government of El Salvador, March 19, 2003
“El
Salvador is giving diplomatic support (to the United States) and
also is willing to give support in a post-conflict phase, when a
possible war is over, in reconstruction or de-mining tasks at which
we already have experience."
–
Foreign Ministry Communications Director Cesar Martinez, March 19,
2003
Eritrea:
“The
decision taken by the Bush Administration to complete an unfinished
job is very much welcome... The task is indeed one of completing
an unfinished job for the sake of the stability and security of
the Middle East and the permanent removal of a serious threat without
losing another opportunity.� In this vein, Eritrea continues to
maintain that the necessary measures must be taken without equivocation.”�
–
Statement by the Government of Eritrea, March 12, 2003
Estonia:
"We
understand the need for disarming Iraq.� The world needs to be convinced
that there are no weapons of mass destruction on Iraqi territory.�
This is important for world security.� It is deeply regrettable
that Iraq did not make use of the opportunity, which existed, to
solve the problem peacefully... Estonia is ready, based upon the
needs of the situation and its own capabilities, to help regulate
the post–conflict situation and participate in the reconstruction
of Iraq."
–
Statement by the Government of Estonia, March 20, 2003
Georgia:
“Saddam
Hussein has weapons of mass destruction.� As long as such a regime
exists, the world cannot live in peace.”
–
President Eduard Shevardnadze, March 20, 2003
“Georgia,
which is now a member of the international coalition for Iraq's
disarmament, is ready to not only provide political support for
the U.S., but also to provide its military infrastructure to U.S.
troops."
–
Georgian Government Representative Shalva Pichkhadze, March
20, 2003
Guatemala:
“My
government shares your concern over the persistence of international
actors who represent serious risks to peace and international security,
as well as the need for the international community to act decisively
to confront those risks... It is an obligation for all governments
and peoples of the world to act in a concerted way to foresee, put
down and, if possible, eradicate this scourge.”
–
President Portillo, March 17, 2003
Honduras:
[The
Government of Honduras] “supports the Government of the United
States of America's war against terrorism and calls on the Government
of Iraq, in order to avoid further suffering by the Iraqi people,
to accept the demands proposed by the United States of America.”
�–
President Maduro, March 18, 2003
Hungary:
“I
am confident that peace will soon be reinstated in Iraq, the weapons
of mass destruction will be destroyed and on the basis of this we
shall be able to live in a more peaceful and tranquil world in future.
I would also like to add that Hungary would be pleased to participate
in the reconstruction of Iraq.”
–
Prime Minister Peter Medgyessy, March 20, 2003
Iceland:
“The
United States now considers its security to be gravely endangered
by the actions and attacks of terrorists and because of various
threats from countries governed by dictators and tyrants. It believes
that support from this small country makes a difference... The declaration
issued by the Icelandic Government on the Iraq dispute says that
we intend to maintain the close cooperation we have had with our
powerful ally in the West.
First
of all, this involves flyover authorization for the Icelandic air
control area. Secondly, the use of Keflavik Airport, if necessary.�
In third place, we will take part in the reconstruction of Iraq
after the war ends.� Fourthly, we expressed political support for
Resolution 1441 being enforced after four months of delays."
–
Prime Minister Oddsson, March 18, 2003
Italy:
“The
game is in play between those who historically have been committed
to the liberty of men and those who have transformed their country
into a chamber of torture.”�
–
Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, March 19, 2003
Japan:
“From
the time of the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001,
until last year's UN Resolution 1441, there has been a strong consciousness
of the threat of weapons of mass destruction, not only against the
American people, but also against the rest of the world, including
the Japanese people.� How to rid the world of such weapons of mass
destruction is now a major challenge for the international community
and will continue to be in the future.� President Bush has said
that the U.S. is seeking to disarm Iraq and to liberate the Iraqi
people.� I agree with that strategy.� Japan, too, supports the policy
course of President Bush.”
�–
Prime Minister Koizumi, March 20, 2003
Latvia:
“The
Parliament of the Republic of Latvia has taken the decision ‘On
the Support of the Implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution
Nr 1441’ pledging support to and readiness to join the efforts
of the international coalition aiming at disarmament of Iraq.� We
support the military forces of our coalition partners who, in risking
their lives, are averting threats to peace and international security.”�
�–
Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, March 20, 2003
Lithuania:
"Lithuania's
possible contribution to the settlement of the Iraq crisis will
be not military but humanitarian participation, aimed at dealing
with adverse consequences, by sending doctors, servicing staff and
other specialists, as well as by participating in international
programs aimed at helping the Iraqi people, including food aid."
–
President Rolandas Paksas, Letter to President George Bush, March
19, 2003
Macedonia:
“As
a peace-loving member of the community of democratic nations, Macedonia
did not want this war, but the regime of Hussein, despite the commitment
of the international community did not leave any option but to be
disarmed by force... I would like to take this opportunity to express
the support of Macedonia, to the troops of the United States, the
United Kingdom and other coalition forces who have put themselves
in harm in order to accomplish the crucial task of disarming the
regime of Saddam Hussein and bringing democracy to the long-oppressed
people of Iraq.”
–
President Trajkovski, March 20, 2003
Mongolia:
“The
Iraqi regime has been highly reluctant to implement the successive
resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and unable to
prove to the international community that it has fully destroyed
its weapons of mass destruction.� Thus it failed to fully meet its
obligations vis-�-vis the United Nations.� This is where, as we
see it, lies the main reason for the emergence of the crisis situation
in the region.”
�–
Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, March 18, 2003
Netherlands:
“Peace
is vulnerable. That is shown when a regime chooses for
years the path of threat and terror.� The international community must
then patiently abide by international agreements and thus try to
dispel the threat.� That patience can be very great but not endless.�
Because then the basis of law and peace is itself jeopardized.�
Saddam Hussein is a great danger to law and peace. Virtually all
the countries in the world are in agreement on that... he takes
no notice of the agreements which the international community has
made time after time with him... Hence the Netherlands gives political
support to the action against Saddam Hussein which has been started...
The action is now getting under way.� But, hopefully, a time will
very quickly come when the weapons will fall silent.� Then we will
have to do everything in our power to help the people in Iraq with
their country's reconstruction.”
–
Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende, March 20, 2003
Panama:
“My
government understands your decision to grant to the Iraqi people
the chance to enjoy democracy, peace and respect for human rights.”
–
President Moscoso, March 17, 2003
Peru:
“The
measures being adopted by the United States Government are legitimate
and legal, since the Iraqi Government has not been able to prove
its destruction of weapons of mass destruction.”�
–
Foreign Minister Wagner, March 18, 2003
Philippines:�
“The
Philippines is part of the coalition of the willing... We are giving
political and moral support for actions to rid Iraq of weapons of
mass destruction.� We are part of a long-standing security alliance.�
We are part of the global coalition against terrorism.”
–
President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, March 19, 2003
“We
share deeply the values being fought for over Iraq, no less than
the values of freedom and civilization... We reject the notion that
the Philippines should sit on the fence and do nothing in the face
of the crisis in Iraq.”�
–
Foreign Secretary Ople, March 18, 2003
Poland:
“We
are ready to use a Polish contingent in the international coalition
to contribute to making Iraq comply with the U.N. resolutions...
It’s clear that the problem of existing weapons of mass destruction
in Iraq is a fact.”
�–
President Kwasniewski, March 17, 2003
Portugal:
“The
responsibility falls exclusively on the Iraqi regime and its obstinacy
in not complying with the resolutions of the United Nations for
the last 12 years... On this difficult hour, Portugal reaffirms
its support to his Allies, with whom it shares the values of Liberty
and Democracy, and hopes that this operation will be as short as
possible and that it will accomplish all its objectives.”�
–
Prime Minister Jos� Manuel Dur�o Barroso, March 20, 2003
Romania:
“We
have already made a decision.� The decision made by us is valid,
it is in effect, we have responded to a demand coming from the United
States and this does not mean that we get involved in a military
conflict but the assistance which we grant to our allies.”
–
President Ion Iliescu, March 19, 2003
“Romania
has interests and responsibilities in Iraq.� We intend to bring
our contribution to providing human assistance and to the reconstruction
process in this country, including the reconstruction of the Iraqi
society, economy and democracy.”�
–
Prime Minister Nastase, March 17, 2003
Rwanda:
“They
should act when they are right to act because the Security Council
can be wrong.� It was wrong in Rwanda... You might avoid war and
have a worse situation... That is why I was giving a comparison
with our case.� People avoided a war or doing very much and it ended
up with a genocide.”�
–
President Paul Kagame, March 8, 2003
Singapore:
“Singapore
is a member of the ‘coalition for the immediate disarmament
of Iraq’... Singapore has a memorandum of understanding with
the US which was signed in 1990 whereby we allow US aircraft to
over fly Singapore and we allow US military assets, ships and aircraft
to call at Singapore... It is a matter of grave concern that the
Iraqi people do not suffer, and if any measures can be taken to
alleviate their suffering, Singapore will do its part.”
–
Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan
Slovakia:
“In
Iraq today one has to prevent further threats for mankind, to ensure
more hope for peace and to terminate the death cult at the stage
when it can still be stopped.... Thus our government has been standing
side by side with the United States.”�
–
Prime Minister Dzurinda, March 20, 2003
South
Korea:
“Just
a short while ago, I called a meeting of the National Security Council
and reaffirmed the position of our Government to support the measure
taken by the international community, including the United States.�
At a time when diplomatic efforts have failed to resolve the Iraqi
problem peacefully, I believe that the action is inevitable to quickly
remove weapons of mass destruction.� Koreans tend to join forces
when things get tough.� The challenges lying before us may be tough,
but we have ample potential to tackle them.”�
–
President Roh, March 20, 2003
Spain:
“Right
up until the end, the Iraqi regime defied international law by ignoring
its obligations to disarm... it threw away its last chance... With
a full sense of our responsibilities, the government of this nation
supports the re-establishment of international law so that conditions
for peace and security prevail.”
–
President Jose Maria Aznar, March 20, 2003
Turkey:
“You
should know that the fact that we opened Turkey's airspace to US...
is aimed at protecting our state's relations with its allies, adopting
measures to ensure our security against possible developments, bringing
about a speedy end to the war, instituting postwar peace, protecting
Iraq's integrity, and averting acts of provocation that will affect
the entire region as well as our country.”�
–
Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, March 21, 2003
Uganda:
"The
cabinet sitting under the chairmanship of HE Yoweri Museveni, the
president of Uganda, on 21 March 2003, decided to support the US-led
coalition to disarm Iraq by force. The cabinet also decided that
if need arises, Uganda will assist in any way possible."
–
Minister of Foreign Affairs James Wapakhabulo, March 24, 2003
United
Kingdom:
"If
the only means of achieving the disarmament of Iraq of weapons of
mass destruction is the removal of the regime, then the removal
of the regime has to be our objective. It is important that we realize
that we have come to this position because we have given every opportunity
for Saddam voluntarily to disarm, that the will – not just
of this country but of the United Nations – now has to be upheld."�
–
Prime Minister Tony Blair, March 20, 2003
United
States:
“We
come to Iraq with respect for its citizens, for their great civilization
and for the religious faiths they practice.� We have no ambition
in Iraq, except to remove a threat and restore control of that country
to its own people.”
–
President George Bush, March 19, 2003
Uruguay:
“.
. . it is necessary to bear in mind that the Iraqi regime repeatedly
rejected opportunities afforded it by the numerous resolutions adopted
by the Security Council to disarm peacefully and avoid the suffering
of its people.”�
–
Communiqu� by the Government, March 20, 2003
Uzbekistan:
"We
unambiguously support the position of the United States to resolve
the Iraqi problem... If this genie is let out of the bottle, it
won't be possible to put it back.� It's necessary to take the most
coordinated measures to make sure that the genie isn't out of the
bottle....The global community has no right to play with this situation
for the sake of its future.� I believe the U.S. has grounds for
the stance it has assumed, and therefore radical measures need to
be taken."
–
President Islam Karimov, March 7, 2003
[Posted
March 27, 2003]
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