Mercy Global Concern - 2003

Response

Dear Ambassador...

I am writing to you in my capacity as Director of Mercy Global Concern, representing the Sisters of Mercy at the United Nations, to commend you on the actions the Security Council has taken to create a more peaceful world, and in particular on your dual strategy to implement SC Resolution 1441 - accompanying the monitoring, verification and inspection of weapons with international diplomacy to urge full compliance on the part of Iraq.

Iraq's actions this weekend in agreeing to reconnaissance flights; to pass legislation to outlaw the use of weapons of mass destruction, including nuclear, biological and chemical weapons; to encourage scientists to cooperate fully in private interviews with weapons inspectors; and to facilitate full inspection of areas where weapons have been destroyed indicate that Iraq now intends to cooperate fully and actively.

Because the international community's dual pressure of active diplomacy, including robust weapons inspections, and precautionary military buildup indicating the serious consequences which will result from continues noncompliance is beginning to show results, I urge you to allow more time for the monitoring, verification and inspection process to continue as outlined in Resolution 1441.

I know that you face hard moral choices during this difficult time as you work toward the goal of true international security. Since Iraq seems to be moving toward full and active compliance, we encourage you to "give peace a chance" and allow more time for complete verification of Iraq's disarmament.

Sincerely

Sr. Deirdre Mullan
Director, Mercy Global Concern
777 United Nations Plaza, New York