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AntiZIONIST
9/6/2002 (11:17) |
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RSL says no to war with Saddam
By Mark Forbes
Defence Correspondent
Canberra
September 4 2002
The RSL has warned against Australian involvement in a war against Iraq, placing a set of conditions on a military commitment at odds with the Howard Government's stance.
A statement endorsed by the RSL's national executive yesterday said it 'fervently hopes military action can be avoided' and that a diplomatic solution was preferable to invasion.
Any commitment of forces would require a public justification of the threat posed by Iraq to Australia's security and a specific United Nations resolution, the statement said. A clear plan to deal with the aftermath of an invasion also needed to be spelt out.
RSL national president Major-General Peter Phillips said the organisation was attempting to steer 'a more moderate, middle course' in the debate. 'We are concerned about some of the statements made by our leaders.
'We are veterans, we know what war is about, we want to avoid it at all costs if possible. But, at the end of the day, we can't walk away from weapons of mass destruction.'
The evidence to invade Iraq was not yet compelling, General Phillips said. 'I don't think anyone is happy we have enough yet to go all the way with the USA.'
The government, through Defence Minister Robert Hill and Foreign Minister Alexander Downer, has talked up possible Australian involvement in Iraq in support of a United States invasion.
Although stating last week that any US request for military assistance would need to provide evidence of weapons of mass destruction, Senator Hill said Australia was unlikely to refuse such a request.
Prime Minister John Howard declined to respond to the statement. He is likely to tackle the issue when he opens the RSL's 87th National Congress in Brisbane today.
Opposition Leader Simon Crean welcomed the RSL's stance.
'Labor has been saying since April that it is important for the evidence to be established, the case made and a coalition built against Iraq if action is to occur.'
Labor supported the need for a United Nations resolution to back an invasion of Iraq in the first instance, foreign affairs spokesman Kevin Rudd said.
The RSL's statement was a contribution to the debate and illustrated 'the deep concern in this country about premature, unilateral action against Iraq'.
Some senior members of the RSL believe the government's stance in support of US action against Iraq is too gung-ho.
The statement follows comments by former senior military figures warning against involvement in another potential Vietnam.
An invasion could be morally justified, but only if certain conditions were met, according to the RSL executive. Primarily, a specific UN resolution before any action by the US was essential.
The Howard Government's stance has softened in recent weeks, with a lack of widespread international support for an invasion of Iraq.
Yesterday Treasurer Peter Costello said there were 'many ifs' regarding joining a war against Iraq.
'If there is an international effort, if Australia is asked to make a contribution, if it is in our national interest, then we will consider making a commitment,' he said.
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