Iraq seeks African support

The US is trying to get Africa's backing for its war on terror

By Damian Zane BBC, Addis Ababa

Iraq has made a direct appeal to Africa for more help in preventing a war with the United States.

The call came during the Afro-Arab Parliamentary conference currently taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

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The president of Iraq's parliament, Sudoom Hammadi, said that his country believes African countries can do more than they have so far to put pressure on the US.

He acknowledged the help that his country has received up to now from the continent, but said that Iraq needs an increase in bilateral relations with individual countries to reduce the impact that United Nations sanctions are having on his country.

He said that African countries must now raise their voice within the UN and also express their views directly to the US Government.

African solidarity

So far at the parliamentary conference all the African delegates have expressed support for Iraq and the consensus that has emerged is that the problem should be solved by the UN.

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Mr Hammadi said he welcomed the expression of solidarity coming from the delegates.

He said that Iraq does not desire war but warned that Iraq will fight fiercely if it is attacked.

He said Iraq has no other option but to defend its independence.

Mr Hammadi recognised that American troops are currently stationed in Africa, for example in Djibouti, but said he was sure that Africa as a whole backs his country's cause.