LWVUS URGED BUSH TO WORK WITH U.N.
To: Subscribers to LWVCNews
From: Barbara Inatsugu, President, LWVC
Sent: Friday, September 27, 2002, 8:11 AM
Subject: LWVUS letter on working with the UN
There has been a lot of conversation and concern expressed in various League online discussions about the international situation. Many state presidents and local League presidents have asked to hear from the LWVUS.
We have received the following communication from the LWVUS as a response.
As we receive more information, we will share it with you.
In response to the concerns of some members about the need for a League comment on the situation with Saddam Hussein and Iraq, you will find below a copy of the letter that went to the President today, Friday, from LWVUS President Kay Maxwell urging him to work with the United Nations in addressing the current situation. Leagues that wish to take action on this issue may do so consistent with this letter, which makes a strong positive statement about the importance of working with the United Nations. In the words of our position, "the U.S. should work actively and constructively within the UN system, exercising diplomatic leadership in advance of decision-making."
The public is looking for ways to be heard on this issue and for opportunities to discuss and debate the pros and cons. We are encouraging Leagues that are interested to hold community forums to give citizens an opportunity to discuss this timely issue. The League will continue to monitor developments and the Board will be discussing the issue at its October meeting.
September 27, 2002
The President
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500Dear Mr. President:
The members of the League of Women Voters across the country were deeply shocked by the attacks of September 11, 2001, on the United States. Since the League firmly believes in international cooperation to solve world problems, we strongly support multilateral action to protect against further such attacks against any nation, particularly those that may involve nuclear, chemical, or biological weapons. We, therefore, urge you to work with the United Nations to develop clear policy goals and actions designed to protect against these threats.
Over the past year, the grassroots members of the League nationwide have reviewed, updated, and reaffirmed our long-established position in support of the United Nations. For many decades League members have strongly supported the role of the United Nations in developing, maintaining and protecting peace around the world.
We believe that the United Nations should be an important component of U.S. foreign policy. We support U.S. policies that strengthen the UN's capacity to solve global problems and believe that the U.S. should work actively and constructively within the UN system, exercising diplomatic leadership in advance of decision-making.
Working with the UN provides the United States with many foreign and domestic policy advantages. First, it ensures a full and exhaustive debate of a range of alternative policies and actions. Second, it builds unity of purpose and resolve by clearly defining the objectives to be fulfilled. Third, it assures the world that the U.S. is not acting solely for its own benefit while reassuring the American people that the U.S. is not acting alone. Fourth, it provides the legitimacy of international law. And fifth, it increases the chances of long-term success through international peacekeeping and nation building efforts.
As was demonstrated when coalition forces ousted Iraq after its invasion of Kuwait, working with the United Nations can enhance achievement of U.S. foreign policy goal. We urge you to follow that precedent.
Sincerely,
Kay J. Maxwell
