Greenpeace Responds to a Potential War in Iraq
Greenpeace is opposed to wars and actively works to eliminate weapons of mass destruction and promote peaceful non-violent solutions to problems. In addition to the tragic loss of life, wars often lead to environmental degradation and pollution. Preparation for war also leads to the development and dangerous use of weapons of mass destruction.
Greenpeace calls on the United States government to allow the United Nations inspections teams to work to disarm Iraq of its weapons of mass destruction and seek a diplomatic solution to this conflict. We fully support disarming Iraq, as well as all nations that have developed weapons of mass destruction, including the United States, but through peaceful means. The frameworks for disarmament already exist in the form of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the Biological Weapons Convention and other disarmament treaties. It is clear that the time has come to recommit to and work within these frameworks.
Greenpeace shares the analysis that one of the primary motivations for aggressively pursuing a war with Iraq at this time is to gain access to Iraqi oil reserves for American interests. Iraq has the world's second largest proven oil reserves outside of Saudi Arabia, or 11 percent of world's total. However the best path to security and peace globally is to reduce our dependence on oil, and promote the development and use of clean energy technologies such as solar, wind and hydrogen. If the United States were to invest significantly in clean energy, it would make the United States less vulnerable to geo-political changes in the oil producing and exporting nations, including Saudi Arabia and Iraq. Additionally, reducing the United States' dependence on oil would help solve climate change, air pollution and curtail the pressure on our national treasures.
Greenpeace is working with businesses and governments throughout the world to promote clean energy as the best approach for global security and environmental protection. Greenpeace will continue to work to protect the future of the planet, as we have during times of both war and peace for more than 30 years.
CONTACT: Alisa Arnett, Greenpeace Media Department, (415) 255-9221 ext 330 http://www.greenpeaceusa.org
|
