Republican News · Thursday 3 April 2003

Strong opposition to Iraq war

Opposition to US-British led attacks against Iraq and to the use of Shannon Airport, solidarity with Palestine and the Basque Country and greetings and support for the Breton political prisoners were the main international motions passed this year by delegates at the Ard Fheis.

The international section was opened by Aengus Ó Snodaigh TD, Sinn Féin spokesperson on International Affairs. He highlighted that this war is "illegal, immoral, unjustified and should have never ever happened". He pointed out the irony of this war being waged on the excuse of the elimination of weapons of mass destruction when the US and Britain, together with other permanent members of the United Nations Security Council, are the main producers of this kind of weaponry.

Ó Snodaigh explained that at least a quarter of the US troops taking part in the campaign flew through Ireland "and not only through Shannon Airport", but also Dublin Airport and Baldonnell".

Roger Cole of the Peace and Neutrality Alliance (PANA), addressed the conference during this session.

He quoted Padraig Pearse, who said of the Redmondites: "The men who have led Ireland for the last 25 years... they are bankrupt, in policy, in credit and now even in words. They have nothing to propose to Ireland, no way of wisdom, no counsel of courage. When they speak their utterances... are the mumblings and the gibberings of lost souls."

"These words of Pearse echo down the generations and now apply to Ahern and Fianna Fáil," said Cole. He said allowing the use of Shannon Airport was "an illegal act under international law".

"Whether the next few years see a new political force emerge to replace these born again Redmondites depends on those in this hall as much as anywhere.

"On 15 February, in over 600 cities across the world, we saw the greatest mobilisation against imperialism the world has ever seen, including millions of Americans and British.

"PANA calls for an emergency meeting of the General Assembly of the United Nations and the withdrawal of the Anglo-American armed forces from occupied Iraq.

"The only people who can decide the future of Iraq are the people of Iraq. States such as Britain, that conquered Iraq and used poison gas on the Iraqi people at the same time they were allowing the Black and Tans to run riot in Ireland, do not have any authority to use military might to impose a quisling government on Iraq.

"Iraq is not the only country where there should be a withdrawal by British troops."

When it came the turn of the delegates to speak, all those referring to the numerous motions against the war on Iraq asked the Ard Fheis to support the emergency motion presented by the Ard Chomhairle. This reaffirmed Sinn Féin's total opposition to the War on Iraq, recognising the United Nations as the sole guarantor of international order and collective security and called on all states to dispense with all weapons of mass destruction. The motion also deplored the human rights record of Saddam Hussein's regime, supported the right of the Kurdish people to self-determination and reiterated the right of Iraqis and other Middle-Eastern peoples to determine their future by themselves.

At home, Sinn Féin called on the Irish government to publicly acknowledge its responsibility for the outcomes of this war and to recognise the implications for Iraqi civilians, which could include half a million direct or indirect casualties, of which 50% would be children. The republican delegates sent a message of solidarity to anti-war campaigners in Ireland, the US, Britain and around the globe.

Daisy Mules, from the Padraig Pearse Cumann in Derry, reminded everyone that this war is not being waged to liberate people or the destruction of weapons of mass destruction, but was about neoliberal policies and neo-imperialism. "We cannot support colonialism of any kind," she stated.

Daithí Doolan pointed out how Saddam was put on power by others "and used by others" and accused the Irish government of "colluding with the death of innocent Iraqis".

Chris Ó Rálaigh (Ógra SF) spoke about the need to put and end to the production and use of all nuclear, chemical and biological weapons.

North Belfast councillor Eoin Ó Broin called on delegates to support the Basque people in their struggle for independence, democracy and peace. Ó Broin pointed out how the banning of the Basque pro-independence party Batasuna on 17 March, the closure of Basque media, and the criminalisation of cultural, social and youth organisations will deepen the causes of conflict and delay any possible solution.

There was widespread support for the plight of the Palestinian people, for their restraint and dignity in the face of a brutal and genocidal occupation by the Israeli army. The Ard Fheis called for a boycott of Israeli goods and services until troops and illegal settlers withdraw from the Occupied Territories and for the expulsion of the Israeli Ambassador from Ireland until the Israeli government adheres to all UN resolutions.

Support and solidarity was also extended to Turkish hunger strikers and their families, friends and comrades, calling for an end to the Turkish government policy of isolation for political prisoners in new, high-security prisons.

Basques repressed

Basque MP Pernando Barrena stressed the historical relationship the Basque nationalist left enjoys with Irish republicans and drew a parallel between the thinking behind the war against Iraq and the policies of the Spanish and British governments in relation to the Basque Country and Ireland.

He referred to the repressive policies applied by the Spanish government against the pro-independence movement. "As a result of the implementation by the Basque Patriot Left of a nation building strategy, the Spanish government has responded with the banning of not only Batasuna - the second political force in the Basque Country - but also outlawing in recent years different youth and human rights organisations working for the release of our political prisoners, among others. The Spanish police recently closed Egunkaria, the only Basque-language newspaper in the Basque Country, and tortured those they arrested".

Barrena highlighted how the banning of Batasuna is a sanction not only against the party but against its electorate. He also pointed out that the Basque nationalist left is already planning alternative ways to participate in the elections and continue their struggle for the recognition of the Basque people's right to self-determination.

"We will strive to implement political initiative towards self determination and peace as hundreds of Irish and Basques who gave their lives or still remain in prison did and do at the moment," he said. "They are our inspiration and our strength to carry on our struggle... We share the future, a future of unity, independence and socialism for Ireland and the Basque Country."