Protesters hit the streets of Prague as the world decides what to do with Iraq

As the possibility of war in Iraq increases Europe has become increasingly divided over the use of force. Over the weekend a couple hundred people marched through the streets of Prague to protest the use of force in Iraq and delivered a letter to the US ambassador in Prague.

Protesters hit the streets of Prague as the world decides what to do with Iraq

Photo: CTK

World-wide reactions to a report by UN weapons inspectors in Iraq have been mixed. The report cited the fact that although progress has been made, Iraq has not cooperated fully with weapons inspectors stressing that the country must disclose all information regarding weapons of mass destruction and disarm. The United States along with Great Britain has called the report proof that Iraq has not been meeting its obligations. Germany and France, have reiterated their belief that UN weapons inspectors should be given more time - in their eyes the work of UN weapons inspectors is not yet complete.

The Czech Republic, one of the few countries that has military troops stationed in the region, has stated that it will not participate in a possible war in Iraq without a United Nations mandate. The Czech Republic, along with many other countries in Central and Eastern Europe has increasingly become a close allei with the United States on this issue. The US Secretary of Defence, Donald Rumsfeld, went as far as to say that the centre of gravity in Europe as well as in NATO is moving East.

Popular opinion in the Czech Republic is mixed, however, with the majority of people currently opposing a war with Iraq. Several hundred marched through the center of Prague to express their disagreement. The protest, which was made up mostly of American expatriates, made its way from Wenceslas Square to the American embassy where the group handed over a letter to the American ambassador, in which they emphasized the dangers of war. Here's what some of the protestors had to say during the march:

"This is about peace, we want to remind the people of all countries that we don't want war as a solution to the problems in the world. War and aggression can only promote again war and killing and unhappiness, it will not be a solution."

"I think the timing is right, for my part, this is just a general statement. I don't agree with America bombing not only Iraq or anywhere else on the planet. I have had enough of it and I think it should stop."

"I believe in doing things and not just talking about them. I think a lot of people are talking and making objections but very few people are trying to mobilize others against the war, so that's why I am here."

What brings you to the protest today?

"Just to show my support, the only way I can. Just to be here and be herd."

"I just came out today to make sure that the people of Prague and Europeans in general know that George Bush doesn't speak for all or even most American's. We don't buy his lies about the need for war when its really about oil and other side issues that he doesn't talk about but everybody knows about."