Hand-Over A Farce Says Peace Network

The US Government's "hand-over of sovereignty" in Iraq is a farce, says Peace Action Network (PAN) Christchurch.

The group points out that Iraqi authorities will have no power over US military operations and little say in economic management.

'One day later the military occupation continues and is expanding and the 3000 staff at the US embassy in Bagdad continue to manage economic affairs, nothing has changed." said Don Archer spokesperson for PAN

Real sovereignty will only come when the invading armies leave and the Iraqi authorities have unrestricted control over their own affairs.

PAN calls for the immediate withdrawl of New Zealand troops.

The global anti-war movement is calling for the US Government to be held accountable for it's war crimes in Iraq.

"The torture in Abu Ghraib is the tip of the iceberg. Americans should not be exempt from the Geneva Conventions and the International Criminal Court," Mr Archer said.

PAN is compiling a list of US war crimes and will put the war criminals Bush, Blair and Howard on public trial during Peace Week in August.

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