STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTRY
OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE
REPUBLIC OF BELARUS

BELARUS MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

March 20, 2003

The Republic of Belarus expresses its deep concern due to commencement of the military action against Iraq by the United States of America and Great Britain.

The use of military force against a sovereign state without sanctions of the UN Security Council violates the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law.

These actions ignore the opinion of the majority of international community, cause damage to the existing system of international relations and harshly aggravate the situation in the Persian Gulf and Mille East region.

The Republic of Belarus advocates prompt cessation of military actions and resolution of the Iraqi issue exclusively within the framework of chartered authority of the UN Security Council, which bears the main responsibility for supporting of international peace and security.