German chancellor says war on Iraq not justified

(18 Mar 2003)
1. German Chancellor, Gerhard Schroeder, (German)
"Dear citizens, the world is close to a war. my question was and still is: does the threat coming from the Iraqi dictator justify a war, a war which will kill thousands of children, women and men? My answer is no! Iraq is a country that is being controlled by the UN. The requests by the UN security council for disarmament are being fulfilled more and more. Therefore there is no reason to stop this process. My government has worked hard together with it's partners to bolster the growing success of Mister Blix and his inspectors. We have always seen our work as a contribution to worldwide peace. This is a fundamental value we feel committed to. I am touched by the fact that my position is shared by a huge majority of people worldwide and also by a majority in the security council. I have doubts that peace will get a chance in the next few hours. Even though we all wish that the dictator looses his position, the aim of the resolution 1441 is disarmament of weapons of mass destruction. Dear citizens, What ever will happen in the next days and weeks: you can count on my government to take every little chance for peace. The United Nations is the framework through which this should happen. And you can count on the fact that we will take every measure possible to secure our country. I have sworn, to keep damage away from our population. This is even more important in war times. I will do so and count on your desire for peace."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO4dV7pohw8 

STORYLINE:

German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder said on Tuesday that the threat posed by Iraq does not justify war, which grew more imminent with U.S. President George Bush's 48-hour ultimatum for the Iraqi dictator to leave his country.

"Does the threat posed by the Iraqi dictator justify a war, which is sure to kill thousands of innocent children, women and men? My answer in this case was and is: no," Schroeder said in prepared remarks broadcast on ARD national television.

In a direct response to Bush's ultimatum for Saddam Hussein to go, Schroeder said the main goal of the U.N. Security Council Resolution 1441 passed last fall was disarmament.

The statement appeared to be aimed at undermining Washington's desire to see a regime change in Baghdad.

"As desirable as it is that the dictator leaves his post, the goal of Resolution 1441 is the disarmament of Iraq of weapons of mass destruction," Schroeder said.

Schroeder said the presence of weapons inspectors was keeping the Iraqi threat in check, and renewed his call that inspections be given more time.

This opinion is shared by the majority of people in the world and by the Security Council members," he said. Nonetheless, "I have my doubts whether peace will get a chance in the coming hours," Schroeder said. "Whatever happens in the coming days or even weeks, you can be sure that my government will pursue even the smallest chance for peace."

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