Press Statement
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
Oppose US Intent to Widen War
The United States Administration has formally notified the UN Security Council that the US could extend its military operations beyond Afghanistan. In an official communication to the Security Council on October 7, the Bush Administration has invoked the right of self-defence to attack Afghanistan and intimated the Council that military action against other countries could take place after its actions against Afghanistan.
By this step, the United States has confirmed that it seeks to militarily attack other countries, trampling upon national sovereignty and in flagrant defiance of international laws. The CPI(M) had earlier warned that the United States would seek to extend its global hegemony under this pretext. Within the Bush Administration, preparations are being made for attacks on Iraq and other targets in the Middle East.
The BJP-led government, by going alongwith the US plans, will be seriously harming India's interests. The Polit Bureau appeals to all secular and democratic political parties in India to demand that the Central government publicly oppose the notification made by the United States to the Security Council in this regard.
The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) also expresses its serious concern at the reports that the Vajpayee government is continuing efforts to get involved in the US military operations. After offering refueling facilities for US military planes, it is now reported that the government is prepared to offer naval port facilities to American warships. The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands that the BJP-led government immediately clarify whether such a move is on.
October 8, 2001
Press Statement
The Left parties, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, Forward Bloc and RSP, have issued the following statement:
12 October Protest Day:
Oppose US War, Curb Terrorism
through Lawful Means
The armed forces of the United States have begun their military attack on Afghanistan. Various cities have been bombarded by American and British warplanes and ships. More attacks are in the offing.
The Left parties have, from the outset, stated that those responsible for the terrorist attacks in United States on September 11 should be brought to justice, proceeding through the United Nations and on the basis of international law.
By launching a full-scale war against Afghanistan, the main sufferers will be the people of that country. The missiles and bombs rained on Afghanistan will kill thousands of innocent people.
All democratic and peace-loving people in South Asia are deeply concerned about the casualties of war and the consequences for the region.
The Left parties strongly reiterate their demand that the BJP-led government, in no way, participate in this American-sponsored war. Such a step would have dangerous consequences for our region and for the national sovereignty of our countries.
The Left parties call for a joint campaign in protest against this unilateral war launched by America and its NATO allies. The Left parties call upon all their units to mobilise the people to hold protest demonstrations and meetings on 12 October all over the country to demand a halt to the war and to wage the struggle against terrorism in accordance with international laws.
Harkishan Singh Surjeet, General
Secretary, CPI(M)
A.B. Bardhan, General Secretary,
CPI
Debabrata Biswas, General Secretary,
Forward Bloc
K. Pankajakshan, General Secretary,
RSP
cpim
website: http://www.cpim.org
People's
Democracy: http://pd.cpim.org
