Clark says "Give Saddam Another Chance"

Prime Minister Helen Clark's ideologically blinkered prediction that "a world of anarchy and chaos" will be created by a "unilateral" attack on Iraq is foolish, ACT Deputy Leader Ken Shirley said today.

"Terror and chaos is - and has been - the prevailing state in Iraq. The tyrant Saddam Hussein has invaded two countries. Like his socialist idol Joseph Stalin, Hussein has terrorised, brutalised and murdered his own people.

"Ms Clark is wrong to describe potential action as "unilateral". Thirty-four democratic countries make up the Coalition of the Willing. How can the Coalition's actions possibly be described as `unilateral'?

"For twelve years, Hussein has refused to disarm. For twelve years, he has lied about his weapons of mass destruction. And for twelve years, he has ignored United Nations resolutions.

"Resolution 1441, passed unanimously by the Security Council last November, provided Hussein with one last chance. The resolution said to Hussein: You are in material breach of sixteen previous resolutions that demanded your disarmament.

"It is only the sustained threat of force from the United States of America and its allies that has allowed the return of weapons inspectors.

"Helen Clark would give in to Hussein. She would give him another chance. Then another. Then another. Helen Clark is a sucker. The world is fortunate that 34 leaders have taken a braver and more principled stance.

"We cannot afford to continue giving Hussein `another chance'. Ms Clark's leadership on this issue is woefully inadequate. Good foreign policy should be based on the facts, not on opinion polls or fear.

"My question to the Prime Minister is this: What irrefutable evidence does she have that proves Saddam Hussein has made a decision to disarm? The answer is: none. And that is why the Coalition of the Willing has not only the legal ability, given by Resolution 1441, to take action; it also has a moral responsibility. Helen Clark's refusal to join our traditional allies is reprehensible. Evil only prevails when good people do nothing," Mr Shirley said.

© Scoop Media