| 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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