FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: FRANK E. WATKINS
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2003 202.225.0773
JACKSON-ZOGBY URGE DNC TO DEBATE IRAQ RESOLUTION

Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. (D-IL-2), and Dr. James Zogby, President of the Arab American Institute, today announced that on Friday when the Democratic National Committee (DNC) meets, they will introduce a resolution on Iraq (see following resolution) and urge the DNC to support it.

Congressman Jackson said, "There is a reason why the American people and most other people in the world strongly support making Saddam Hussein get rid of his weapons of mass destruction, but do not support a war against Iraq at this time - not to mention a pre-emptive U.S.-led war with Iraq apart from a United Nation's Security Council Resolution. It doesn't meet the historic criteria of a `just war.' The world, through the UN, should keep the pressure on Iraq to adhere to UN Resolution 1441 and allow enough time for the inspectors to do their assigned job."

Dr. Zogby said, "Americans have many unanswered questions about a war on Iraq. While the Administration is leading America into a war with blinders as to costs, consequences and intent, we have had little success in gaining international support. Democrats support our troops and don't want to see them sent into an ill-defined mission. It is therefore incumbent on the Democratic Party to take a leadership role on this issue."

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A RESOLUTION OF THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE SUPPORTING AND HONORING THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO SERVE IN OUR ARMED FORCES, OPPOSING A PRE-EMPTIVE U.S.-LED MILITARY ACTION AGAINST IRAQ, AND URGING PRESIDENT BUSH TO SUSTAIN DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS TO RESOLVE THE UNITED STATES' ISSUES WITH IRAQ.

WHEREAS, we give our unqualified support to the men and women serving in the United States armed forces at home and abroad in their steadfast struggle against international terrorism; and

WHEREAS, war with Iraq could compromise the ongoing U.S. and international efforts to combat terrorism, particularly the dismantling of the Al-Qaeda network, the apprehension of its leader Osama bin Laden, and the current U.S. led action in Afghanistan; and

WHEREAS, even after driving out the Taliban strongholds in Afghanistan, there is still much security and developmental work to be done in Afghanistan - both inside and outside of Kabul - and Afghanistan will continue to require American investment and involvement for the foreseeable future; and

WHEREAS, the United States, as a leading member of the world community, as a charter member of the United Nations, and as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, should abide by international law and fulfill its international obligations by working within the framework of the United Nations to solve its issues with Iraq, since not to do so would set a dangerous precedent for other nations; and

WHEREAS, many of the United States' traditional allies, including France and Germany, are not supportive of pre-emptive military action against Iraq, nor does the United States have the support of other critical nations such as Russia and China; and

WHEREAS, it has not been proven that an Iraqi attack on the United States is imminent; and

WHEREAS, President Bush has yet to demonstrate clear strategic objectives of a war with Iraq; and

WHEREAS, a war with Iraq would cost the American people billions of dollars at a time of economic uncertainty, while at the same time the Bush Administration has proposed a large tax cut that will significantly decrease government revenues when the federal government is already operating in a deficit; and

WHEREAS, years of expensive nation building on behalf of the United States would be required in order to guarantee that a democratic regime, or one more friendly to U.S. and international priorities, would rise in Iraq after the fall of Saddam Hussein; and

WHEREAS, the issues between Iraq and the United States have not been proven to be unsolvable by diplomatic means; and

WHEREAS, it has not been demonstrated that a compelling and consistent majority of United States citizens have been convinced of the advisability of a pre-emptive U.S.-led attack on Iraq, outside a sanctioning United Nations Resolution.

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE urges President Bush to continue to aggressively pursue, as our number one priority, the international Al-Qaeda terrorist network led by Osama bin Laden, through the effective international coalition that formed after the September 11, 2001, attacks on the United States; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE commends President Bush for acting appropriately by using diplomatic means to curb the present danger that North Korea represents - even though we know they have nuclear weapons, are talking belligerently, and are acting in very dangerous ways; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE urges President Bush to continue to pursue diplomatic efforts to achieve disarmament of Iraq, to clearly define for the American people and Congress the objectives, costs, consequences, terms and length of commitment envisioned by any U.S. engagement or action in Iraq, and to continue to operate in the context of and seek the full support of the United Nations in any effort to resolve the current crisis in Iraq.