AS members of the Society of Friends (Quakers) we share the deep concern of so many other faiths at the determination of the present United States administration, with our own government close behind, to change the regime in Iraq, no matter what, even at the risk of starting a vastly extended configuration in the Middle East.

We acknowledge concern about the behaviour of the Iraqi government. However, recent history shows that neither economic suppression of Iraq nor military action can bring peace or justice.

The policies of industrialised countries, including the UK, have contributed to the causes of the current conflict over decades. Extensive military exports to Iraq from the UK, among other nations, in recent decades escalated the danger. During 1989-90, when the US was at loggerheads with Iran, the Americans regarded Iraq as an ally and supplied it with an earlier generation of biological and chemical weapons.

Quakers believe that almost every war begets another one, that organised violence breeds some sort of retaliatory violence. There are alternatives to military action. Economic sanctions should cease. The negotiated return of weapons inspectors is vital, as is aid to the Iraqi people. Exporting arms to the region must stop.

Unilateral action by any state or group of states against another is contrary to international law. It is vital that any decision on an international approach to Iraq respects the principles of the UN Charter.

MARIAN PENNY (On behalf of the Blackburn Preparatory Meeting of the Society of Friends), Park View Terrace, Abbey Village.