Lawrence Repeats Call for Withdrawal From Iraq

Press Release

Congressional candidate Mark Lawrence (D-South Berwick) marked the 5th anniversary of the Iraq War by repeating his call for Congress to end the war in Iraq.

"We need a political declaration that says that the war in Iraq is over," said Lawrence. "Once that decision has been made, we will be able to withdraw from Iraq as quickly and as safely as possible."

"We have to ask the question: what has been gained from this war, and what can be gained by us staying in Iraq?" said Lawrence. "This war has severely damaged our ability to effectively fight terrorism, hurt our economy at home, and the best solution for the Iraqi people will come only when it is clear that America has made the decision to end this war."

Lawrence noted the key points on Iraq that he has touted since before the announcement of his candidacy in May of 2007:

* The Iraq War was started with a political decision by Congress and the President to engage in a war of choice and must end with a reversal of that decision.
* Congress, which holds the power of the purse, must back-up this decision by de-funding the war.
* Withdrawal from Iraq must have at minimum three principles: 1) the safety of the troops; 2) not leaving weaponry behind to further fuel a civil war in Iraq; 3) Engaging neighboring countries in a pro-active solution to stabilize Iraq.

Source