USLAW statement on the IFC

Dear Brother Adil and Sister Mahmoud,

The March 18, 2006 announcement of the formation of the Iraq Freedom Congress should be heralded by the peace and democracy-loving people around the world as an important step in Iraq to a just, stable, democratic and peaceful resolution of the tragic circumstances into which the U.S. and its allies have thrust the Iraqi people. U.S. Labor Against the War welcomes this important development.

IFCs commitment to establishing a free, secular and non-ethnic government in Iraq, one that is independent, democratic, and non-religious is a welcome alternative to the chaos and division that followed in the wake of the illegal invasion and occupation of Iraq an aggression that exacerbated, exploited and created religious, ethnic and tribal conflict as an instrument of divide and conquer.

The only solution to this crisis is one that is based upon and rooted in the exercise by all the Iraqi people of their right to sovereignty and self-determination based on principles of respect and tolerance for differences in ethnic identity, religious beliefs, political allegiance, and tribal origin. This is a solution that is first and foremost political, not military.

Only with the end of the occupation will real reconstruction of Iraq be possible. The occupation is now the single greatest obstacle to both peace and democratic self-governance for the Iraqi people, and security for the people of Iraq, the U.S. and the world. As we declared in the Final Declaration signed by leaders of the Federation of Workers Councils and Unions in Iraq, the General Union of Oil Employees, the Iraq Federation of Trade Unions and U.S. Labor Against the War at the conclusion of the historic 25-city U.S. tour by Iraqi labor leaders last June, The occupation is the problem, not the solution. Iraqi sovereignty and independence must be restored. The occupation must end in all its forms, including military bases and economic domination.

The occupation has played a major (though not the only) role in strengthening reactionary elements in Iraq, and creating a situation that may lead to sectarian civil war. The ending of the occupation is a precondition for consistent democracy in Iraq.

The independent labor movement, secular and democratic forces that could create a more positive outcome above all, the unions - must be allowed to survive and develop. We are committed to deepening labor solidarity with Iraqs independent labor movement, its womens and other civil society organizations.

We are committed to our common goal of ending the occupation, withdrawal of all the occupation forces and dismantling of all foreign military bases, including those of the U.S., so that the right of the Iraqi people to make an informed and free decision on the future of their country and its system of governance can be guaranteed.

U.S. Labor Against the War Co-Convenors & Steering Committee