Speaking ahead of tomorrow's debate on the crisis in Iraq at the European Parliament, Jill Evans MEP (Plaid Cymru - the Party of Wales) urged the governments of Europe to heed the views of the people they represent in order to avert war in Iraq. Ms Evans, Plaid Cymru's leader in the European Parliament also called for weapons inspectors to be given more time.

Speaking from Strasbourg,

Jill Evans MEP said:

"The vast majority of our populations are resolutely against war with Iraq. We see protests every day with people from all sections of the community voicing their opposition to war - even schoolchildren are taking to the streets to protest. It's time for governments to listen to their peoples."

"The way forward is for more power to be given to international bodies in their efforts to keep peace."

"The current international approach through the UN is working - it's a nonsense to talk about resolving this issue through military action when the UN weapons inspection regime is clearly leading to real disarmament."

"We call upon all European governments to listen to their peoples and seek a peaceful solution to this issue, through the United Nations."

Ends.