Washington, Nov 3, 2003 - Congressman Dennis J. Kucinich (D-OH), a leader in the House against the war and occupation of Iraq, issued the following statement today:

“Tragically, again this weekend, we were reminded of the deadly toll on US troops in the occupation of Iraq. While it seems clear to almost everyone else in world that the United States occupation is counterproductive, this Administration either does not understand or is unwilling to accept the failure of the United States occupation of Iraq.

“Every day that we are inside Iraq the situation gets progressively worse, as evidenced by the deadly attack on a US helicopter that killed 19 American soldiers yesterday in Iraq. More US troops have died occupying Iraq, than died in the war for Iraq.

“Yet, this Administration continues to deny the reality of post-war Iraq. Just today, General Sanchez, the top commander in Iraq, is quoted as saying that attacks against US troops are, ‘strategically and operational insignificant’. Last week, the President stated, that despite daily attacks on our troops, that US was making ‘progress’ in Iraq. These obviously false statements demonstrate that the Administration cannot and will not recognize the failures of its policies in Iraq.

“It is time for this Administration to be honest with the American people. They must no longer hide behind political spin and patriotic backdrops. The American public deserves the truth.

“Continuing the U.S. occupation is counterproductive. It is creating instability. This is why we need to get the United Nations in and the United States out.”