The Tudeh Party of Iran Central Committee

21^st December 1998

The Central Committee of the Tudeh Party of Iran resolutely condemns the military attacks by the US and British forces against Iraq which began on 16^th December. These unilateral aggressive actions which lack any international legitimacy have plunged the strategic Persian Gulf region into a new crisis posing an unprecedented threat to peace and stability in the whole Middle East.

We also strongly condemn the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein which through its destructive and adventurist policies over the past two decades have been instrumental in bringing two catastrophic wars to the region as well as providing the pretext for ever increasing military presence of imperialist forces.

The launch of over 200 Cruise missiles against Iraq as a first wave of hostile US and British military strikes and further bombing air raids in which many civilians have been killed and injured can not be justified under any pretext. The stated aim of dismantling Iraqi military capabilities and possible dislodging of the present regime in Baghdad through bombing is not based on any genuine concern for the plight of the Iraqi people. Bringing changes to Iraq is a task for the people of Iraq and the Iraqi democratic and progressive forces. Furthermore the US and British governments’ stance is quite ironic given the fact that the US, British and other Western governments have played a major part in providing chemical, biological and other weapons of mass destruction for the Iraqi dictatorial regime.

Ordering these military strikes on the eve of the vote by the US House of Representatives to impeach President Clinton clearly shows a cynical plan to divert attention from the internal crisis of the US administration with no concern for the fate of the Iraqi people.

These attacks undermine the authority of the United Nations and further complicate and aggravate tensions throughout the region posing a serious threat to peace and stability in the region, with tragic consequences for the people of Iraq. These military strikes are also a reminder to all progressive forces in the region that the US - led world imperialism is prepared to embark on any adventurist and criminal policy in order to impose its «New World Order» and safeguard its neo-colonialist «interests» in the strategically important Persian Gulf region.

The Iraqi people have suffered for decades under the cruel dictatorship headed by Saddam Hussein. However the cause of democracy in Iraq and stability in the region will not be advanced through imperialist hegemonist plans and military aggression. On the contrary, the US and British actions, like all their previous military strikes, are likely to cost the Iraqi people dearly and further strengthen the dictatorship.

These unilateral acts of war should be stopped immediately and UN resolutions on Iraq should be respected and implemented by all sides.

The Tudeh Party of Iran strongly believes that the present dispute should be resolved only through peaceful means, negotiations and adherence to the UN charter.

We declare our unwavering solidarity with the Iraqi people in their struggle against dictatorship and for freedom and democracy. We say no to the US and British military actions.

Central Committee of the Tudeh Party of Iran

17^th December 1998