More world opposition is necessary to avert a war on Iraq -- Akahata editorial, November 10

The United Nations Security Council adopted a unanimous resolution mandating U.N. inspectors to carry out their mission concerning Iraq's weapons of mass destruction.

Criticizing Iraq for violating past UNSC resolutions, the resolution gives Iraq a "final opportunity" and demands that Iraq confirm within seven days of the notification of the resolution its intention to comply with this resolution and that Iraq cooperate immediately, unconditionally, and actively with the U.N. agencies.

The resolution states that any interference by Iraq with inspection activities will be reported to the UNSC, and that Iraq will face "serious consequences" if it violates its obligations.

No automaticity with respect to the use of force

Alleging that Iraq is sponsoring terrorist forces and possesses weapons of mass destruction, the United States had stated that it will attack Iraq even without a UNSC resolution. In a change of tack, the United States began to seek a UNSC resolution, but it has maintained that the use of force will be necessary, as shown by its resolution allowing for every possible means.

Calls for Iraq to accept U.N. inspections and opposition to unilateral attacks on Iraq have been increasing throughout the world, including among the governments of Middle Eastern countries.

UNSC permanent members, France, Russia, and China, and many UNSC members opposed or were loath to the initial U.S.-British resolution. This is why the United States and Britain were obliged to modify their initial draft which would allow the use of force upon Iraq's violation of the resolution.

After the UNSC adopted the resolution, the U.S. representative said, "This resolution contains no 'hidden triggers' and no automaticity with respect to the use of force."

Syria, the only Arab member of the UNSC, said that Syria voted for the resolution because the United States and Britain made clear that the resolution does not lead automatically to the use of force.

The United States has not given up its position that the Iraqi regime must be overthrown even by force. We must not overlook the resolution's provision stating that Iraq may face "serious consequences," thus leaving considerable room for the use of military force.

But the process leading up to the unanimous adoption of the UNSC resolution shows that it's difficult for the United States to use the resolution to unilaterally attack Iraq.

Iraq now has an obligation to fully implement all relevant UNSC resolutions and declare to the international community that it has eliminated all weapons of mass destruction.

When a Japanese Communist Party delegation led by its International Bureau Director Ogata Yasuo visited Iraq during its tour of the Middle East, Iraqi officials told the delegation that they will unconditionally allow U.N. inspectors into all facilities and sites including the eight presidential facilities, and promised to candidly and extensively cooperate with the United Nations and solve problems within the U.N. framework.

Iraq should be able to accept the immediate, undisturbed, unconditional, and unlimited U.N. inspections that the UNSC resolution calls for.

If a war breaks out, it will cause irreparable damage to Middle East countries, the results of which are beyond imagination. The United Nations is responsible for carrying out inspections in Iraq, allowing no member country to unilaterally use force, and resolving the crisis peacefully.

Louder voices against war are needed

The war is not unavoidable. Whether it can be prevented or not depends on the efforts of the world's governments and opposition movements of the world's people. They have actually worked to prevent the United States from ignoring U.N. resolutions and attacking Iraq, and open avenues toward peaceful solutions.

Such public opposition must be further increased to push Iraq into accepting U.N. inspections and prevent the United States from attacking Iraq.

The JCP has made its own diplomatic efforts to prevent a war. It will continue such efforts to secure peace in the world. (end)