Words on War

"Nothing credible has been said that any such breach has occurred to justify a resort to war," ... "The situation demands that once more the masses of our people must act together as a powerful force for peace in the world. They have an obligation to stand up and join the struggle for peace"

- Thabo Mbeki, South African President

"If there is a country that has committed unspeakable atrocities in the world, it is the United States of America."

- Nelson Mandela, Former South African President and Nobel Peace Laureate

"We did not ask for this present challenge, but we accept it. Like other generations of Americans, we will meet the responsibility of defending human liberty against violence and aggression. By our resolve, we will give strength to others. By our courage, we will give hope to others. And by our actions, we will secure the peace, and lead the world to a better day."

- George W. Bush, US President

"We should remain the closest ally of the U.S., and as allies, influence them to continue broadening their agenda. We are the ally of the U.S. not because they are powerful, but because we share their values."

- Tony Blair, UK Prime Minister

"We have to date found no evidence that Iraq has revived its nuclear weapon program since the elimination of the program in the 1990s. However, our work is steadily progressing and should be allowed to run its natural course. With our verification system now in place, barring exceptional circumstances and provided there is sustained, proactive cooperation by Iraq, we should be able within the next few months to provide credible assurance that Iraq has no nuclear weapon program."

- Mohamed ElBaradei, executive director of the International Atomic Energy Agency

"The rush of US officials (to war) will not take them anywhere. They will fall into a thousand pits because of their poor planning and their intentions against the world," ... "Those who target Arabs in their sanctities, faith and rights will fall, this is what history says."

- Saddam Hussein, Iraqi President

"The potential for white Western body parts flying around with the Iraqi ones should make them think again about this imperialist oil war." ... "The hypocrisy is mind-blowing. The biggest threat to world security at this moment is US President George Bush."

- Kenneth Nichols O'Keefe, former US marine and leader of "We the People" organisation, a human shield programme acting at key Iraqi sites and populous areas in case of a United States-led war on Baghdad.