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Friday 24 June No 1 - Reports
Emotional welcome for Iraqi trade unionists
Conference gave a delegation of Iraqi trade unionists a standing
ovation after hearing about the immense bravery they have shown
in promoting human rights.
Hangaw Abdullah Khan from the Kurdish General Workers'
Union told delegates how the Saddam regime took all the power away
from the trade unions to strengthen their position in power.
"The international rule has been important in helping
us have our first free elections and to avoid more disasters we
need a federally united parliament,” he said.
"We would like the British people to help restore
stability in Iraqi Kurdistan and greater Iraq.”
Bahra Othman, president of the Iraqi Kurdistan General
Workers' Syndicate Union women's section, said it has not been easy
for trade unionists in Iraq with the country recovering from dictatorial
rule.
"We are working hard to have relationships with different
syndicates across the world as well as nationally,” she said.
Delegates then called for international aid for the
reconstruction of Iraq to be provided unconditionally and for the
early withdrawal of troops by no later than the end of this year.
They also committed to work with all legitimate, independent and
democratic trade unions in Iraq and Iraqi Kurdistan.
UNISON deputy general secretary, Keith Sonnet, said
that although conference recognises the rights of the Iraqi people
to resist the occupation it cannot support the indiscriminate targeting
of civilians and the murder of trade unionists.
"We condemn the continuing violence in Iraq and salute
the courage of the Iraqi and Kurdish people,” he said. He also pointed
out that in the Iraqi election campaign most political parties campaigned
on the basis that the occupation must end.
Karie Murphy from Glasgow Health branch emphasised
the importance of helping with reconstruction. "We need a sensible
approach to the rebuilding of Iraq,” she said.
"It must be on Iraqi terms for the good of the Iraqi
people so let us support the planned withdrawal of troops.”
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