Nigeria Calls for Caution on Iraq

President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria has called on parties involved in the current Iraqi situation to exercise caution, as any further escalation of tension would lead to very serious consequences for the international peace and security.

Speaking at the 57th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York Sunday, September 15, 2002, President Obasanjo said Nigeria noted with concern the threat which the situation in Iraq posed to international peace and security.

He urged that the matter should be resolved in accordance with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.

President Obasanjo lamented the preponderance of theaters of conflicts around the world, where people continued to expend valuable energies and resources in fighting each other, often for causes that were unproductive.

"The international community has a responsibility, not only to design appropriate strategies for a measured and early response to douse these conflicts, but also to find ways and means of addressing their root causes, and managing them to a peaceful conclusion", President Obasanjo averred.

He said that Nigeria was proud to be an active participant in the effort by the international community to find solution to such conflicts, through her role in peacekeeping and peacemaking efforts around the world.

On international terrorism, President Obasanjo said Nigeria remained deeply committed to the fight against it, adding that there was need for reviewed and concerted efforts on the part of the international community to confront the menace until the threat was halted.

To this end, he said, the various international instruments aimed at combating terrorism deserved the full support of member countries.

On the situation in the Middle East, President Obasanjo reiterated Nigeria's commitment to the right of the Palestinian people to their own independence, as well as the right of the state of Israel to exist with safe and secure international borders, consistent with Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338.

He said Nigeria welcomed the current Middle East peace process and urged all parties in the conflict to cooperate with the international community and give the process a chance.

September 18, 2002