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BJP `deplores` war on Iraq
Indore, Apr 04: Adopting a tougher-than-government stand, the ruling BJP today `deplored` as `unjustified` war by the US-led coalition on Iraq and wanted that the right of the Iraqi people to determine their political future be fully respected.
Indore, Apr 04: Adopting a tougher-than-government stand, the ruling BJP today "deplored" as "unjustified" war by the US-led coalition on Iraq and wanted that the right of the Iraqi people to determine their political future be fully respected.
Calling for an immediate end to the war, the national executive of the party, in a resolution on the situation in Iraq, asked the parties concerned to seek a peaceful, political solution within the framework of the United Nations.
The party demanded that immediate measures be taken by the international community to rush humanitarian aid to the suffering people of Iraq in consultation with the Iraqi government.
It also underscored the need to preserve the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the war-beleaguered country.
Asked whether the party "deploring" the military action would not prove to be an embarrassment for the government which has adopted a middle path, BJP general secretary Pramod Mahajan said "the party can be more candid but the government has to be diplomatic".
"I don't think there is any cause for embarrassment," he said.
Law, Commerce and Industry Minister Arun Jaitley and Petroleum Minister Ram Naik spoke about the economic fallout, including the impact on oil prices and imports as a result of the war.
The resolution said the national executive "deplores the unjustified military action resorted to by the US, UK and their allies against Iraq".
It noted with "grave concern" the humanitarian crisis which is developing in Iraq on account of the war and expressed its anguish and distress over the large number of casualties, both civilian and military, as well as on the plight of the hapless Iraqi people whose condition was "rapidly worsening".
The party commended the government for "pro-active" measures undertaken to safeguard the welfare and interests of Indians in the region.
It expressed satisfaction that government has crafted an approach, which was consistent with India's dignity as well as its long term national interests aimed at bringing a quick end to the conflict and providing speedy relief to the Iraqi people.
The party called upon the government to continue its efforts for peace with like-minded countries and forums such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
It also emphasised the need for the international community to remain focussed on the global war against terrorism and to eschew "double standards" in this campaign.
"The epicenter of international terrorism is located in Pakistan. It is here that the most serious manifestation of a nexus between authoritarian rule, weapons of mass destruction, drug trafficking and terrorism flourish", he said.
Bureau Report
"I don't think there is any cause for embarrassment," he said.
Law, Commerce and Industry Minister Arun Jaitley and Petroleum Minister Ram Naik spoke about the economic fallout, including the impact on oil prices and imports as a result of the war.
The resolution said the national executive "deplores the unjustified military action resorted to by the US, UK and their allies against Iraq".
It noted with "grave concern" the humanitarian crisis which is developing in Iraq on account of the war and expressed its anguish and distress over the large number of casualties, both civilian and military, as well as on the plight of the hapless Iraqi people whose condition was "rapidly worsening".
The party commended the government for "pro-active" measures undertaken to safeguard the welfare and interests of Indians in the region.
It expressed satisfaction that government has crafted an approach, which was consistent with India's dignity as well as its long term national interests aimed at bringing a quick end to the conflict and providing speedy relief to the Iraqi people.
The party called upon the government to continue its efforts for peace with like-minded countries and forums such as the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
It also emphasised the need for the international community to remain focussed on the global war against terrorism and to eschew "double standards" in this campaign.
"The epicenter of international terrorism is located in Pakistan. It is here that the most serious manifestation of a nexus between authoritarian rule, weapons of mass destruction, drug trafficking and terrorism flourish", he said.
Bureau Report