JCP calls on CPIM for international effort to block war on Iraq

Shii Kazuo, Japanese Communist Party Executive Committee chair, on December 16 held talks with H.S. Surjeet, general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) at CPIM headquarters in New Deli. The discussion was focused on the effort to oppose a war on Iraq.

Surjeet emphasized that the need now is to join forces to prevent a U.S. war from breaking out, pointing out that contradictions are deepening between the United States and its European allies due to the growing international movements for peace.

Shii stressed the need to make efforts to urge as many world governments as possible to oppose military actions against Iraq. He said: "The JCP and the CPIM are well aware of the imperialist ambition behind the U.S. intention to launch attacks against Iraq, but the task now is to build up international cooperation in the effort to maintain rules for maintaining international peace instead of seeking to form an anti-U.S. imperialism front." Shii said that it will be significant to solve the issue by peaceful means within the framework of the United Nation.

In response, Shii called for a further effort to build up an international majority to prevent attacks on Iraq, Surjeet expressed willingness to increase cooperation in that effort. (end)