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Higgins holds key to diplomatic solution: but will the US listen?
B KR A A D E S Y ENN N RW
GALWAY WEST TD Michael D Higgins has proposed a solution that could avert war in Iraq and reform the country. It has met with interest in the Middle East but will the US administration listen? The proposals actually Galwaymen Dep Michael the outstanding issues of met with a positive response D Higgins and Sen Michael arms, democracy, and from Aziz. "We went as far Kitt recently returned from human rights in Iraq could their official visit to Iraq be dealt with by a group as discussing Iraq having multi-party representation," where they saw the which could include people Higgins said. condition of Iraqi civilians like former US president However would Sadaam and met the country's Jimmy Carter, Nelson Mandela, Mary Robinson, accept any of these deputy leader Tariq Aziz and the Secretary of the proposals? "Tarik Aziz is and foreign minister Naji number two and he would Sabri. During the meeting, Arab League, and could work to address the most know what Sadaam would Higgins proposed a comprehensive diplomatic pressing issues; Is co and would not accept," says operation with the UN Higgins. "I didn't want to solution which if accepted weapons inspectors taking meet Sadaam. I have been a could diffuse the situation that has developed between place? Measures to deal critic of his for a long time with no weapons being and remain so. I raised the Iraq and the US. found and to destroy them if issue of his gassing of the "It was a very positive they are; the ending of the Kurds in 1989 and no one meeting with Aziz and it was interested. At that time lasted about an hour and a sanctions; internal reform Donald Rumsfeld was the half," Higgins told TJie and rights for children; the Galway Advertiser this process of change in the special envoy there and was civil society. a supporter of Hussein and week. Higgins proposed that told the Irish Government he was a friend." Higgins now hopes to get support from the Irish Government, he will meet Brian Cowan soon, and eventually the UN. "1 believe this is negotiable," he said. "I don't believe that just because we're a small country we cannot help bring a solution to the crisis." However the US administration is chomping at the bit for war and seems to have little time for a diplomatic solution as Higgins is proposing. Higgins thinks it would be foolish to reject his proposal which he feels could achieve real change in Iraq. TD Michael D Higgins. In Baghdad, Higgins was able to see the situation for ordinary Iraqis'. "It's a kind of mood of despair," says Higgins. "People are busy putting oranges up in their stalls. It looks normal but there's a sense of apprehension. Under the Geneva Convention there are measures for protecting children in war. The majority of the Iraqi population is under 15 and are malnourished. Therefore this war will be a war against children." Higgins and Labour will also take part in the major anti-war demonstration in Dublin on February 15. "We have made our preparations and invited all people in Galway city and county to come to protest," he said. "We have booked one bus and more if people need them. It will leave Galway at 9am. The march will go from Parnell Square to The Department of Foreign
Buses from Galway to anti war demo in Dublin
T H I S SATURDAY will see a m a j o r protest in Dublin against any war on I r a q , t h e use of S h a n n o n by t h e US military, and in support of justice for Palestine. It is expected that at least 10,000 people will be on the streets of Dublin from all over the country. The Galway Alliance Against War is organising buses to leave Galway on the morning of February 15 at 9am. Buses are 12 waged and there will be concessions. Buses will be return to Galway at around 10pm. For more info about the buses please contact John on 086 - 8473529.
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F r o m Saturday February 8 t h to Saturday February 1 5 t h
Young people invited to get involved in Bally bane's youth clubs
THE BALLYBANE Youth Development Project will be recruiting young people from the area to get involved in a variety of clubs r u n by the o r g a n i s a t i o n next week. The project offers a wide range of clubs and activities -- including drama, dance, basketball, and indoor soccer -- for people aged between 10 and 18 in the Ballybane area. People can sign up for activities at the Ballybane Community Resource Centre next Monday from 4pm to 6pm. The youth development project is operated by Foroige, the national youth development organisation, in partnership with the Galway City VEC. The project is also looking for adult volunteers to help out with its clubs. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Nollaig Rabbitte. youth officer, at (091) 768297, for more information.
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