"For in the development of this organisation rests the only true alternative to war." They were the words of President John F Kennedy when addressing the General Assembly of the United Nations in 1961.

In taking military action against Iraq rather than allowing United Nations weapons inspections to continue, President Bush confirmed Kennedy's opinion.

While the sense of Kennedy's view was ignored when removing Saddam's regime, rebuilding Iraq requires the United Nations.

If the unilateralist American administration fails to take the UN route then Tony Blair should withdraw our troops before Iraq descends into an inevitable quagmire.

Richard Lamb,

Greystoke Road,

York.

Updated: 10:49 Monday, April 28, 2003