SCIENTISTS OPPOSE US/UK ATTACK ON IRAQ

Web version of a press release issued on 2nd October 2002 by SGR

Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) [1] today stated its opposition to possible military action by the USA and UK against Iraq, and called for greater efforts by those countries to find a peaceful solution through the UN.

In a statement released today [2], SGR argued that the nuclear powers, including the US and UK, "have laid the foundations for the proliferation of nuclear weapons" by not fulfilling their obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty to pursue complete multilateral disarmament. Further, the US Government's "sabotage" of negotiations on the control of biological weapons has prevented progress on this issue.

Dr Stuart Parkinson, Chair of SGR, said "The only way to rid the world of the threat of weapons of mass destruction is through international agreements whereby all states agree to give up these weapons and allow monitoring and verification by UN weapons inspectors to ensure this disarmament is carried out."

Notes:

[1] Scientists for Global Responsibility (SGR) is an independent UK-based organisation of scientists and engineers promoting ethical science and technology.

[2] Scientists for Global Responsibility Statement on Possible Military Action by US/UK against Iraq