We, Peace Boat, demand an immediate halt to the attacks on Falluja, and, as a Japan-based organisation, strongly voice our protest at Japanese Prime Minister Koizumi’s statement in support of this inhumane attack which inevitably risks the lives of women and children.

The last attack on the city by US forces resulted in the deaths of at least 600 people, most of whom were civilians. The current attack; in which fighting is taking place in densely populated urban areas, risks even greater civilian losses. The destruction of homes, property and public infrastructure will be tremendous.

The people of Falluja begged the leaders of the world to “…exert the greatest pressure on the Bush administration to end its crimes against Falluja and pull its army back from the city” in an October 24 letter to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan authored by local groups including the Bar Association and Teachers’ Union. We express our solidarity with all those people of Falluja who are praying for peace.

Peace and security in Iraq will not be won by military force. It is obvious that the continued presence of foreign forces is leading to a cycle of violence and further intensifying the overall level of violence in Iraq. The problem of insecurity in Iraq can only be addressed – as Kofi Annan, concerned about the attack on Falluja, its victims and consequences, writes in his letter to the leaders of the US, UK and Iraq’s Interim Government – “…through dialogue and an inclusive political process.”

We demand:

1. That President Bush immediately order a halt to the bombardment of Falluja
2. That Prime Minister Koizumi retracts his remarks supporting the US-led attack, and commits to withdraw the SDF from Iraq.
3. That President Bush and the leaders of other countries who have sent forces to Iraq immediately withdraw all US and multi-national forces from Iraqi cities and towns, and fix an early and definitive date to leave the country.
4. That President Bush, Prime Minister Koizumi and leaders of other countries who have sent forces to Iraq commit to support the Iraqis and the UN or other international bodies in organizing elections, re-building the country and restoring Iraqi independence by non-violent means.