To the editor:

World public opinion is opposed to a U.S. attack upon Iraq. It is encouraging to note that Pope John Paul II is sending a special envoy to Iraq to promote peace and that the pope also plans to meet this week with Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister. The pope has said that war against Iraq would be a “defeat for humanity.” Other Christian churches should speak up in support of peace and against a pre-emptive strike by the United States.

It is also encouraging that the U.N. inspectors report signs of a more cooperative attitude on the part of Iraq. Inspections should be allowed more time.

If upon France’s and Germany’s motion in the United Nations Security Council, a U.N. peacekeeping force should be authorized to go to Iraq, and if Iraq accepted a U.N. peacekeeping force, it would stop President Bush from ordering an attack on Iraq. Historically, U.N. peacekeeping forces are composed of troops from small nations such as Norway, Sweden and Greece. Since Iraq is no direct threat to the United States, the entire matter should be left to the United Nations of which our country is a member.

John A. Bond,

Lawrence