Burlington, VT Opposing Unilateral United States' Military Action Against Iraq

Type: Resolution
Status: Adopted on 10/7/02
Source File: http://www.ci.burlington.vt.us/city/ccresolution_iraq_20021007.php
Text:
In the year Two Thousand Two,
Resolved by the City Council of the City of Burlington, as follows:
That
WHEREAS, the people of the United States have already suffered grievous loss of life and well-being as a result of the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001; and
WHEREAS, a United States war against Iraq threatens to destabilize the entire Middle East region, possibly resulting in regional war; and
WHEREAS, war should not be initiated unilaterally by the United States or other parties; and
WHEREAS, The President has failed to build an international consensus in support of United States military action, with European and Middle East allies, Japan, Russia and China opposing unilateral United States military action; and
WHEREAS, The President has failed to present convincing evidence that Iraq poses a military threat to the United States; and
WHEREAS, international diplomatic efforts should be the preferred means to resolve international conflicts; and
WHEREAS, war should be a last resort; and
WHEREAS, a war with Iraq would put at risk the lives of Burlington residents who serve or have family members and friends who serve in the United States Armed Forces; and
WHEREAS, a war with Iraq could lead to further economic hardship for Burlington's citizens and businesses; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Burlington and its local elected officials have the constitutional right to petition the national government on this matter of grave concern to our community as part of the national and international debate now underway; and
WHEREAS, there is a spirited debate on the possibility of war on Iraq and there is a wide range of opinions in Burlington about the advisability and likely consequences of war with Iraq; and
WHEREAS, the City Council cannot speak for all residents but has been asked by many people to speak out on this momentous issue facing our nation; and
WHEREAS, Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution requires that Congress must debate and vote on whether to declare war on Iraq; and
WHEREAS, Senator Leahy, Senator Jeffords, and Representative Sanders have courageously spoken out against unilateral war on Iraq and would be encouraged by our support.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Burlington City Council:
1. HEREBY reaffirms the articles of the United Nations Charter and the principles of international law on the peaceful resolution of disputes; and
2. HEREBY expresses our opposition to the United States' continued and threatened violation of United Nations Charter and of international law by its unilateral, preemptive military action against the nation of Iraq, and
3. HEREBY urges The President and our representatives in Congress to work with and through the United Nations to obtain compliance by Iraq with United Nations Security Council resolutions concerning the development by Iraq of weapons of mass destruction and to support fully the return of international weapons inspectors to Iraq for that purpose; and
4. HEREBY urges The President and our representatives in Congress to actively support United Nations' diplomatic efforts to support and encourage democracy and respect for human rights in Iraq and all nations; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council directs the Clerk/Treasurer to provide copies of this Resolution to President Bush and our congressional delegation.
Category:City Governments
Category:Peace
Category:Resolutions
Category:Vermont