Resolution of the Federal Executive of the Liberal Democrats, passed on
21/1/03.
The Executive:
- Notes the ongoing Iraq crisis.
- Supports the line being taken by the Parliamentary Party that there remains
no compelling argument for military action to be taken against Iraq at the
present time.
- Praises the work of the Parliamentary team, in particular Charles Kennedy
and Menzies Campbell, for their principled and determined stance on this issue
which has caught the public mood.
- Continues to support the policy adopted at Brighton Conference 2002, that
the UK should participate in military action only as a last resort; if clear
and uncontrovertible evidence emerges to show that Iraq possesses weapons
of mass destruction and is likely to use them; after a full and intensive
debate in Parliament; with an explicit mandate in the form of a UN resolution
or in accordance with international law and; if designed as far as possible
to avoid civilian casualties.
- Therefore encourages Liberal Democrat members to voice their concerns about
the Iraq situation, in particular by participating in the Stop the War demonstration
on Saturday 15 February.
- Calls on the Party to publicise this fact through the press, the party's
email and internet facilities and Liberal Democrat News.
- Requests that the Parliamentary Party send one of their number to speak
at the post-demonstration rally on behalf of the Federal Party.
Passed nem con.
