The success of these elections is the key issue for all democrats: smears debase debate

Harry Barnes letter in the Guardian, 28th October

As one who consistently opposed the invasion of Iraq and who has long worked with the Iraqi Federation of Trade Unions, may I say that Sami Ramadani’s smears and half-truths (Collaboration won't buy Iraq's freedom, October 27, 2004) debase the debate.

Ramadani says that it has “emerged” that the IFTU may accept funds from the British Council. “Emerged” invests a perfectly open fact with sinister mystery. The mundane reality is that the British Council administers funds for civil society projects in Iraq for the Department for International Development. All this was made clear at a TUC reception for IFTU leaders to launch the TUC appeal for funds to rebuild a free and independent trade union movement, and strengthen civil society in Iraq.

The IFTU, like myself, opposed the war and occupation but recognises that the United Nations sanctioned political process provides a chance, in 12 weeks time, for the Iraqi people to elect their own government, decide on the presence of foreign troops and rebuild a democratic, secular and united Iraq. The success of these elections is the key issue for all democrats.