Press Statement
The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:
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.