Communist Party of India-Marxist,
Press Statement, September 21, 2001

On President Bush's Declaration

President Bush through his speech to the US Congress has declared that the US will conduct a global war against terrorism. In doing so the future scenario spelt out by the President has many disturbing aspects.

India and the rest of the world have strongly condemned the horrendous terrorist attacks in New York and Washington on September 11. The world community is agreed that the perpetrators of this crime must be brought to book and punished. This has to be done by careful investigation, identifying the culprits responsible and getting the United Nations and other international forums involved in the effort.

In announcing a lengthy campaign "unlike any other we have ever seen" President Bush has promised to set the American military machine to strike at not only Afghanistan but in any part of the world, where the United States thinks terrorism is supported, or, harboured.

The United States cannot arrogate to itself this right, nor, determine for the world how terrorism should be fought.

In the entire course of the speech, Bush has not mentioned the United Nations even once. It is clear that he seeks to rely on the NATO and the close allies of the United States to conduct this global military action.

The consequences of such unilateral adventurism will be incalculable.

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) demands that the Security Council of the United Nations meet immediately to take stock of the situation and chalk out a concrete plan of action. The Indian government should immediately demand such a course of action."

Stop Offering Military Facilities to US

The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) strongly reiterates its position that the Vajpayee government should not in any way commit to any participation in the proposed US military action by offering logistical or operational facilities. Even after it has become clear that the United States is not seeking specific facilities from India and has asked Pakistan to extend logistical support, the leadership of the BJP government continues to harp on providing facilities for the military operation.

The government leaders have stated that India will consider any request for military cooperation. Briefings to the media have been held to say that India is prepared to offer "turnaround facilities" to the US aircrafts on their return from strike missions in Afghanistan.

The stance adopted by the Vajpayee government is harmful for India's prestige and sovereignty.

Communist Party of India-Marxist
Press Statement, 14 September 2001

On Vajpayee Government's Stand on US Moves

The CPI(M) reiterates its strong condemnation of the barbaric terrorist attacks in the United States which have led to a devastating loss of lives. It shares the worldwide sympathy with the families of all the victims.

However, in response to this outrageous attack, the Bush administration has made a declaration of war. It has threatened to use its military power to retaliate against unspecified countries. The United States, by this pronouncement, has arrogated to itself the right to trample upon the United Nations charter and violate the sovereignty of any country. It is incumbent upon the United States administration to investigate the crime and to identify its perpetrators. After doing so, the United States can act lawfully to get the cooperation of other countries and international organisations to apprehend the guilty. Instead of doing so, any unilateral military action can only lead to loss of many innocent lives and the vicious cycle of violence and the aggravation of international tensions.

Without considering all these aspects, the BJP-led government has behaved in an utterly irresponsible and craven manner. In keeping with its policy of winning US approval and acting as its junior partner, the Vajpayee government had immediately announced after the September 11 attacks that it is willing to cooperate with the United States in all ways if it decides to launch any military action.

The BJP-led government has already informed the United States that it is willing to offer logistical support in India and its military and infrastructural resources for the proposed US military action against Afghanistan.

In 1991, for the first time, the Indian government had offered refueling facilities to American war planes for their attack on Iraq. Such an event cannot be allowed to be repeated on a larger scale.

The CPI(M) and all the democratic forces in India know the nature of the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and its sponsorship of fundamentalism and terrorist activities. However, it must be remembered that it was the United States which financed and equipped the Islamic fundamentalist forces who were fighting in Afghanistan against the Soviet forces and the Najibullah government. Osama bin Laden was a beneficiary and an operative of the CIA-ISI joint project.

There are also other disturbing statements emanating from the BJP-led government. Repeatedly the Home Minister and others are advocating a strategic alliance with both the United States and Israel. It is well known that Israel is the trusted ally and agent of the United States in the Middle East which emboldens it to continue with its aggression against the Palestinian people and the Arab countries. What the BJP-led government proposes, will have serious implications for India's security interests.

The Indian government can respond to any lawful request of the United States to provide any relevant information it has regarding terrorist activities which may have a bearing on the terroristic actions in the United States. But to involve India in any US military action is unacceptable and will be strongly opposed by all patriotic Indians.

Source: http://cpim.org/