January 30, 2003

This letter by eight European

This letter by eight European nations tosses any claims of U.S. unilateralism right out the window. Spain, Portugal, Italy, the U.K., Hungary, Poland, Denmark, and the Czech Republic have united with the U.S. in oppostion to Saddam and Islamist terrorism.

The Iraqi regime and its weapons of mass destruction represent a clear threat to world security. This danger has been explicitly recognized by the U.N. All of us are bound by Security Council Resolution 1441, which was adopted unanimously. We Europeans have since reiterated our backing for Resolution 1441, our wish to pursue the U.N. route, and our support for the Security Council at the Prague NATO Summit and the Copenhagen European Council.

In doing so, we sent a clear, firm and unequivocal message that we would rid the world of the danger posed by Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction. We must remain united in insisting that his regime be disarmed. The solidarity, cohesion and determination of the international community are our best hope of achieving this peacefully. Our strength lies in unity.

The combination of weapons of mass destruction and terrorism is a threat of incalculable consequences. It is one at which all of us should feel concerned. Resolution 1441 is Saddam Hussein's last chance to disarm using peaceful means. The opportunity to avoid greater confrontation rests with him. Sadly this week the U.N. weapons inspectors have confirmed that his long-established pattern of deception, denial and noncompliance with U.N. Security Council resolutions is continuing.

France, Germany, and Russia are all now isolated. France and Germany risk the political crack up of the E.U. while Russia risks not being further integrated with Europe. Along with Australia, the Allied forces are coming together. "Free people will set the course of history."

"United We Stand"