Bishops urge new ways of dealing with Iraq

National Catholic Reporter, Dec 4, 1998 by Teresa Malcolm

The United States must pursue ways of dealing with Iraq that do not threaten the lives and basic rights of innocent people, said a new statement issued on behalf of the U.S. bishops.

"While we are aware of the complex roots of the current crisis, our concern for the widespread suffering of Iraqi civilians leads us to reiterate today with special urgency our long-standing call that the embargo be reshaped, reduced and ended quickly," said the Nov. 19 statement from Bishop Anthony M. Pilla of Cleveland, outgoing president of the U.S. bishops. The statement on behalf of the entire body of bishops was approved during their annual fall meeting Nov. 16-19.

"The Iraqi government's failure to comply with the cease-fire resolutions and to feed and care for its citizens under existing exemptions to the embargo is indefensible," said Pilla's statement. "Nevertheless, the Iraqi government's actions do not relieve the international community of its responsibility to end the horrible suffering caused by the embargo. The international community cannot pursue its legitimate ends by threatening the lives, livelihood and basic rights of innocent people."

Among the specific steps the statement recommends are lifting restrictions on trade in civilian goods while retaining political sanctions and a strict embargo on military items.

Briefs, gathered from news services, correspondents and staff, are compiled and edited by Teresa Malcolm.