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Title: Regarding situation in Iraq.
SHRI BASU DEB ACHARIA : We have seen in the past that when there was the Suez Canal Crisis, our country took a positive stand. When there was an attack on Korea in 1952, we have seen the role of this country. But today, when the United States of America and its President Bush is making statements that he would take all efforts to disarm President Saddam Hussain and when Inspector Hans Blix has to submit his report today, the three permanent members of Security Council, France, Russia and China have openly said that they would not support the new Resolution, which American imperialism and the UK want to be authorised to wage full-scale war against Iraq. They would not support it.
Sir, what we find here in our country that day before yesterday President Bush spoke to our Prime Minister and he wanted support from our country. The Government of India till date has not taken any positive stand in regard to attack on Iraq by the United States of America as well as Britain. What we want is that we should condemn the attack on Iraq.
The people of Iraq have to suffer for the last ten years because of sanctions, embargo and blockade. We have visited Ameria Shelter where in 1991 400 children and women were killed by bombing that Shelter. We have seen that place. We want that this House should condemn and the Government of India should take a positive stand with regard to attack on Iraq.
(RAIGANJ): Sir, on behalf of the Indian National Congress, I would like to express our deep concern. The war scenario is looming large on Iraq. This Parliament, right from the days of Pandit Jawahalal Nehru, has been maintaining a steady policy of opposing invasion against any sovereign country. I understand, this Parliament, cutting across, party lines from day one has been defending the line not to attack any nation and to encroach its sovereignty.
Based on that, the Non-aligned Movement made it abundantly clear time and again. If you recall the Vietnam War, it was Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru’s Government again, which came forward collectively with the wisdom of the House asking the United States of America to withdraw from Vietnam.
Sir, the Iraq situation was discussed in this House before the hon. Prime Minister’s visit to Malaysia. We were told by the Government not to stick to a Resolution, which may not give flexibility to the Government, and we did not insist for the Resolution. The Government assured us that the sentiments of the House would be carried and reflected in the NAM Conference. Till now, the House did not have the benefit of what actually had been reflected in the NAM Conference, and on 13th the House will be adjourned.
Sir, during the reply to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s Address, the hon. Prime Minister did say that whatever views had been made, he feels that there can be an attack. With all humility at my command, on behalf of the principal Opposition Party, the Indian National Congress, I convey to the Government, through you, Sir, that before 13th of March the Government must come to the House, take the House into confidence regarding our stand. We have been opposing, right from day one, the attack on any nation by any imperialist power. … (Interruptions)
Sir, the Petroleum Minister has said that two months stock of fuel is with us, 40 lakhs people would be brought back from the Gulf, and arrangements have been made for that. You can imagine as to how it would hit the economy of Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and the rest of India. Therefore, let the collective views and wisdom of one million population be reflected under the leadership of Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee that India is opposed to war against Iraq. … (Interruptions)
सभापति महोदय : श्री रूप चंद पाल एसोसिएट कर रहे हैं। सदन की कार्यवाही भोजन के लिये सवा दो बजे तक स्थगित की जाती है।
13.32 hrs.
The Lok Sabha then adjourned for Lunch till fifteen minutespast Fourteen of the Clock.
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