SAK calls for peace

SAK supports the assessment and principles outlined by Finland’s foreign policy leadership in respect of the war in Iraq. It is not acceptable to begin a war without authorisation from the United Nations Security Council. SAK is concerned that the status and role of the United Nations in seeking to resolve the crisis by peaceful means has been undermined.

SAK calls for peace to be restored as soon as possible. This war will bring no sustainable peace, as any such peace will depend on achieving democracy and respect for human rights and social justice everywhere, including Iraq. SAK calls attention to the fact that Iraq has systematically flouted decisions of the United Nations.

SAK urges its members to participate in events organised to lobby for peace.

Trade unions support Finland’s policy on Iraq

Finland’s three employee confederations SAK, STTK and AKAVA have already earlier called for a peaceful settlement to the crisis in Iraq and expressed their support for the policy pursued by Finnish President Tarja Halonen and the Finnish government in this matter.

The joint position of the Finnish employee confederations formed part of the Day of Action against the war organised by the European labour confederation ETUC on 14 March 2003.

All governments must work through the United Nations to bring about a peaceful solution to this crisis using multilateral measures. The joint declaration of the employee confederations stresses that the use of military force against Iraq without a mandate from the United Nations Security Council is not acceptable.