Press Release

The Coalition for Nuclear Disarmament and Peace (CNDP), India, considers the latest UN Resolution 1546 (June 8, 2004) a shameful capitulation to the US.

· It recognises as "sovereign" an interim government set up after June 30 that, like the Governing Council, is established effectively by the US and not the UN.

· It legitimises an illegal, US-dominated occupation force as a UN-mandated "multinational" force.

· It endorses this occupation at least until December 31, 2005 when an elected "transitional government" is to be established. Any removal of troops before then by the interim Iraqi government is subject to Security Council authorization where the US can exercise its veto to ensure its continuing presence.

· It endorses ultimate US (not Iraqi or UN) control over deployment/use of the occupying "multinational" forces.

· Article 27 of this Resolution allows all US-organised contracts for oil companies before June 30, 2004 to continue to have immunity afterwards.

Any endorsement of this Resolution by the Indian government, let alone sending of troops, represents a betrayal of the Iraqi people, of elementary principles of justice, and of an independent Indian foreign policy.

Achin Vanaik, Prabir Purukayastha
CNDP, India.