28.3.03

Today, at a press conference on Capitol Hill, Congressman Dennis
J. Kucinich (D-OH), who leads opposition to the war in Iraq, issued
the following statement:

"This Administration has never made its case for war against Iraq.
It is an unjustified war, which the Administration continues to
misrepresent and exaggerate. The most recent example is the
Administration's characterization of international coalition support
for this war."

"This morning, President Bush once again exaggerated the extent
of support for the war stating that the coalition of countries
supporting this war is larger than the 1991 Gulf War. What Bush
failed to mention was that back in 1991, all of the 34 coalition
members offered military force, by contributing troops on the
ground, aircraft, ships or medics. "

"This war involves the troops of only the U.S., Britain, Australia,
Poland and Albania. Not even the three members of the Security
Council that support the war, Spain, Italy, and Bulgaria are
committing military support."

"This Bush Administration has been adding coalition member to
their list based on statements of “moral” support. As the Washington
Post reported last week, if this type of criteria was used back in
1991, the size of the coalition would likely have topped 100 countries."

"Further, the total cost of the Gulf War to the United States was around
$4 billion dollars. This time, the President has come to Congress
requesting a $75 billion bill, all of which will be paid by U. S.
taxpayers. Clearly, military and economic support from countries is
far more important than statements of 'well-wishes'."

"This war must end now. It was unjust when it started last week, and
is still unjust today. The U.S. should get out now and try to save the
lives of American troops and Iraqi citizens. Most importantly, ending
the war now and resuming weapons inspections could salvage world opinion
of the United States, which has been deteriorating since the talk of war
began. After all, the greatest threat to the United States at this time
is terrorism, which is breeding from this war."

Congressman Kucinich will issue daily statements on the war in Iraq.
Please pass these statements on to your friends. Help empower America's
leading spokesperson for peaceful resolution of international conflict.