Cities for Peace

Whereas, a preemptive strike by the United States violates our commitments under the United Nations Charter, goes against established international law, sets a dangerous precedent for the world community, and further isolates the United States from the rest of the world; and,

Whereas, international diplomatic efforts should be the preferred means to resolve international conflicts; and,

Whereas, most Connecticut cities and the state of Connecticut are suffering fiscal crises where programs are threatened by severe budget cuts. And it has been estimated that a war in Iraq would likely cost the U.S. Government $100 to $200 billion, an amount that could go a long way to meeting our municipal and education needs; and,

Whereas, the citizens of New London have the deepest respect for those who are willing to risk their lives to protect the United States, but believe further military action against Iraq will risk the deaths of thousands of Iraqi civilians without guaranteeing the safety of the U.S. military; and,

Whereas, committing American troops to Iraq will put in harm's way citizens of New london, a disproportionate number of them racial and ethnic minorities from our city's most economically deprived neighborhoods; and,

Whereas, the citizens of New London and their local elected officials have the constitutional right to petition the national govenment on this matter of grave concern to our community as part of the national and international debate now underway; and,

Whereas, one of our own colleagues and other city employees have been called to serve as well,

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the New London City Council hereby reaffirms the articles of the United Nations Charter and the principles of internatonal law on the peaceful resolution of disputes and express our opposition to preemptive military action against Iraq and urge the Bush Administration and our representatives in Congress to use enlightened leadersip to work with and through the United Nations to obtain compliance by Iraq with united Nations Security Council resolutions; and,

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution, duly adopted, shall be sent to President George W. Bush, the entire Connecticut Congressional Delegation and to our Eastern Connecticut State Delegation."

Councilors voting for the resolution were Mayor Elizabeth Sabilia, Councilor Lloyd Beachy Councilor Margaret Mary Curtin, Councilor Rod Gaynor, and Councilor Ernest Hewett.

		We are building a coaltion of local officials and concerned citizens to express the will of our communities through civic resolutions regarding the war in Iraq


Return to Main Page	Whereas, a preemptive strike by the United States violates our commitments under the United Nations Charter, goes against established international law, sets a dangerous precedent for the world community, and further isolates the United States from the rest of the world; and, Whereas, international diplomatic efforts should be the preferred means to resolve international conflicts; and, Whereas, most Connecticut cities and the state of Connecticut are suffering fiscal crises where programs are threatened by severe budget cuts. And it has been estimated that a war in Iraq would likely cost the U.S. Government $100 to $200 billion, an amount that could go a long way to meeting our municipal and education needs; and, Whereas, the citizens of New London have the deepest respect for those who are willing to risk their lives to protect the United States, but believe further military action against Iraq will risk the deaths of thousands of Iraqi civilians without guaranteeing the safety of the U.S. military; and, Whereas, committing American troops to Iraq will put in harm's way citizens of New london, a disproportionate number of them racial and ethnic minorities from our city's most economically deprived neighborhoods; and, Whereas, the citizens of New London and their local elected officials have the constitutional right to petition the national govenment on this matter of grave concern to our community as part of the national and international debate now underway; and, Whereas, one of our own colleagues and other city employees have been called to serve as well, Now, therefore, be it resolved that the New London City Council hereby reaffirms the articles of the United Nations Charter and the principles of internatonal law on the peaceful resolution of disputes and express our opposition to preemptive military action against Iraq and urge the Bush Administration and our representatives in Congress to use enlightened leadersip to work with and through the United Nations to obtain compliance by Iraq with united Nations Security Council resolutions; and, Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution, duly adopted, shall be sent to President George W. Bush, the entire Connecticut Congressional Delegation and to our Eastern Connecticut State Delegation." Councilors voting for the resolution were Mayor Elizabeth Sabilia, Councilor Lloyd Beachy Councilor Margaret Mary Curtin, Councilor Rod Gaynor, and Councilor Ernest Hewett. Councilor Robert Pero voted against the resolution. Councilor Angel Vazquez recused. Submitted by Councilor Margaret Mary Curtin