Australian's Doctors condemn Govt over Iraq war

[cal04]

Over 50 of Australia's leading medical professionals have signed a joint statement condemning the Federal Government for committing Australian troops to the Iraq war.The statement calls on a Coalition or Labor government to ensure Australian troops are used only in defence of Australian soil and never in acts of aggression.
The letter was prompted by the lack of concern over the war's effects and the ongoing military action by Australian troops in Iraq.The action is similar to a declaration signed recently by retired military and diplomatic figures calling for truth in government and condemning Australia's foreign policy.

The vice president of the Australian branch of the Medical Association for the Prevention of War (MAPW), Gillian Deakin, says the war had caused injuries and loss of life to innocent civilians and destroyed essential infrastructure, including the health system.

"The disgust at the ongoing horrors that are afflicting the people of Iraq has prompted doctors to come together and speak their mind," Dr Deakin said. "We wish to see Australians taking responsibility for their actions there and we wish to see a lot greater reparation in terms of medical services," she said."The Government's just not providing medical services to the people where the harm has been done.
The MAPW was founded in 1981 and is the Australian affiliate of International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1985.

Treasurer Peter Costello has dismissed the claims by doctors that the Federal Government misled the Australian public over committing troops to the Iraq war. Mr Costello told Channel Ten the statement is a matter of opinion. "You've got those doctors who are making their statement, they're entitled to do so but I actually believe that Iraq will be a better place for the downfall of a tyrant like Saddam Hussein," he said.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200409/s1192424.htm

[glarius]

1. Australia's P.M. Howard will be ousted in the next election just as Blair

of Great Britain will...Both these men went against the wishes of their populace and joined Bush'e attack on Iraq....They will pay for it....IMO

[the Kelly Gang]

2. he will rubbish these doctors as he did the former Defence/Diplomats

who spoke out recently.

Taught at the knee of George W.Bush

[joefree1]

3. Dupe

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=102&topic_id=802602&mesg_id=802602