MOREP NEWS 20/07/2006: OPEN LETTER TO U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL

?Open Letter To UN Secretary-General Mr. Koffi A. Anann from MOREP’s Head Dr Abi Saab asking the international communities to make pressure on both parties to stop the war, the only way to resolve all problems is through negotiation . “Human Rights” and “Geneva Convention” state to protect civilians and their properties during the war. According to the Charter of the United Nations (Protocol I – Preamble), every state has the duty to refrain from the threat or use of force against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, or political independence of any state. The Geneva Conventions must not be construed as legitimizing or authorizing any act of aggression or any other use of force inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations. The Convention I Art. 35 states that transports of wounded and sick or of medical equipment must be respected and protected in the same way as mobile. The Art. 19 of convention I states also that “Fixed establishments and mobile medical units must be protected and respected by all sides in a conflict”. Also “Feigning of civilian or non-combatant status is perfidy and prohibited” by the Geneva Conventions (Protocol I. Art. 37, Sec. 1). Dr Abi Saab added that neutral countries not involved in the conflicts have the obligation to observe the requirements of the Geneva Conventions. The First Protocol protects victims of international conflicts and the Second Protocol extends protections to victims of internal conflicts. Please respect this convention and don’t include civilians into the destructive war, protect medical care personal, medical transport and wounded persons. Asking to stop the war immediately.