I WHOLEHEARTEDLY back the marchers supporting our troops (March 27), and their efforts to show the vociferous minority that there is genuine support for our Government's efforts to bring to an end the horrific Saddam Hussein regime.

All right-minded people must know we are subjected to misinformation and propaganda, from both sides. However, an unalterable truth is that under a regime such as that in Iraq, the York Against War campaign would not be allowed its say.

One point seems to have escaped the anti-war faction. That is, the Gulf War of 1991 never came to an end: it was brought to a close by a ceasefire on condition that Saddam Hussein complied with certain terms. These terms were agreed to by the majority of the United Nations.

The resolutions passed 12 years ago have not been rescinded. This alone begs the question: "Why the need for any further resolutions by the UN?" Throughout the intervening years Saddam Hussein has ignored these terms.

War should be a last resort; but when it is the last resort, it should be prosecuted to its fullest extent, the quicker to save any further loss of life, on both sides. And thereafter to give the Iraqi people the same rights as those enjoyed by the York Against War campaigners.

The Iraqi population deserve the protection of the international community to facilitate their right to democratic government and freedom of speech.

G M Meehan,

Aldborough House,

Brook Street,

York.

Updated: 10:59 Wednesday, April 02, 2003