A Resolution Supporting Peaceful Measures for Resolving International Disputes and Opposing Pre-emptive Military Action by the United States Against Iraq

WHEREAS, the Mayor of the Town of Washington Grove has called a Special Town Meeting on March 12, 2003, upon petition by qualified Town voters under the provisions of the Town of Washington Grove Town Charter, Section I-5, as registered in the Annotated Code of Maryland;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Town of Washington Grove, Maryland, supports peaceful measures for resolving international disputes and opposes pre-emptive military action by the United States against sovereign nations, including Iraq; and

HEREBY affirms support for the men and women serving in the armed forces and honors their commitment to our nation's safety and security; and

HEREBY affirms that no wars against Iraq or any sovereign nation be undertaken at any time by the United States without a full debate and vote in the United States Congress under Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution; and

HEREBY reaffirms the articles of the United Nations Charter, the role of the U.N. Security Council, and the principles of international law on the peaceful resolution of disputes, which allows for the right of nations to defend themselves against aggressive acts by other nations; and

HEREBY urges the President of the United States and our elected and appointed representatives to actively support United Nations' diplomatic efforts to support and encourage democracy and respect for human rights in Iraq and all nations; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution, duly adopted, shall be sent to President George W. Bush, U.S. Senators Paul Sarbanes and Barbara Mikulski, and U.S. Representative Chris Van Hollen; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its adoption and approval by a majority of the quorum attending the Washington Grove, Maryland, Special Town Meeting on March 12, 2003, and it shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.