Steelworkers chief speaks out on Canadian peace vigils

Lawrence McBrearty, Canadian national director for the United Steelworkers of America, issued a statement today urging Canadian members of his union to continue participating in peace vigils.

"You can also voice your opinion on numerous talk shows, letters to the editor, and use the Steelworkers website to contact your Member of Parliament," the Steelworkers chief said.

The full text of McBrearty's statement follows:

****************************************************************** Sisters, Brothers, Friends

The bombing of Iraq has begun.

But it is never too late to demand peace.

I know that thousands of Steelworkers across Canada have participated in anti-war demonstrations over the last several months.

I encourage that activity to continue.

Please try to attend demonstrations in your communities and make sure that Steelworkers' voices speak up for peace, not war.

The United Steelworkers supports the federal government's position to stay out of the conflict.

Our union has always supported the integrity of the United Nations.

It is the single most important international institution in the struggle to maintain peace between and among nations.

It is consistent with that view that Canada remain committed to a UN-based process in dealing with the current regime in Iraq.

I want to be clear that not supporting the invasion does not mean we support Saddam Hussein.

Saddam has tortured and murdered his own people and is medieval in his tyranny.

However, this war is being waged without international support and is therefore not legitimate.

Besides the killing of innocent people, the invasion of Iraq may lead to:

- prolonged instability in that country

- destabilization of the wider Middle East including the possibility of heightened conflict between Israel and the Palestinians

- increased popular appeal of extremist groups prepared to use terrorism in the US and abroad.

War makes both the region and the world less secure.

Our union will continue to stand up for peace.

It is in the interests of all peoples and nations of the Middle East that violence and unilateral military action cease, and that all diplomatic and political efforts resume to resolve the region's serious differences and conflicts without the loss of lives.

You can also voice your opinion on numerous talk shows, letters to the editor, and use the Steelworkers website to contact your Member of Parliament.

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