NE W S R E L E A S E FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE THURSDAY 13 FEBRUARY 2003
US CALLS FOR SANCTIONS ON EUROPE "VERY DANGEROUS" SAYS STUC
Commenting on calls being made by a range of US Congress members for economic sanctions against France, Germany and Belgium because of their stance on war with Iraq, STUC General Secretary, Bill Speirs, said:
"The anti-European, and specifically anti-French, anti-German and anti-Belgian rhetoric coming from US Congressmen is telling.
"It is clear that important ruling circles in the USA believe that what the US says is what must happen, and if anyone disagrees, tough. Fortunately there are many fine Americans who disagree, and are prepared to say so in the best tradition of American democracy. It is a pity that our own Government are not prepared to be so assertive.
"Let us be clear: those US politicians who are calling for economic sanctions against France and Germany are playing a very dangerous game, since the US is one of the most protectionist countries in the world, and could be indicted for their restrictive practices in a whole number of areas. It will help no-one if we get into a tit-for-tat trade war but the US should be clear that such a war is one they could lose."
ENDS
For further information and comment, contact: Bill Speirs