GWENT politicians are divided over whether the West should take military action against the perpetrators of the US terror attacks and the regimes which shelter them. PETER SHUTTLEWORTH reports.

A PEACEFUL settlement needs to be made between the Western World and the perpetrators of the terrorist attacks in America, a Gwent peace campaigner says.

Veteran activist Ray Davies (pictured) believes a peaceful settlement is the only way terrorism can be stopped and he is firmly opposed to any military retaliation against those who masterminded last week's horror attacks.

He says to help bring peace Western governments should: Renew the Middle East peace process, comply with UN Resolutions and allow the Palestini-ans to occupy the West Bank and end Israel's illegal occupation.

End the sanctions against Iraq.

"That would be a huge step forward for ridding the world of terrorism, which is growing by the day," said councillor Davies, Caerphilly council member for Bedwas.

Councillor Davies says he is now setting up an anti-war coalition in south Wales against any military action.

He said: "To rid this world of terrorism we should not go retaliating against them. "To bring peace we should open discussions with the Middle Eastern countries and find a peaceful solution, otherwise these sort of attacks will escalate."

Councillor Davies added that sanctions on Iraq are turning Saddam Hussein into a "hero."

He said many people in the Middle East regard Britain and America as the terrorists. "Because of those sanctions and the injustice against the Palestinians in the occupied territories, many people in the Middle East regard the West as terrorists.

"This feeling is creating terrorist organisations like the hezbolah and terrorist leaders like Osama bin Laden.

"If the West renewed the Middle East peace process and ended sanctions on Iraq a peaceful solution could be made.

"A peaceful response is the only way we can end terrorism and I urge Welsh people to back a non-violent response to last week's attacks."