I propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 15 together.
I regret to say that the prospects for an end to the 3½ year long war between Iran and Iraq do not look promising. Various mediators have at different times in the conflict tried to bring about a ceasefire and negotiations but so far to no avail. These have included Mr. Olaf Palme who, as the UN Secretary-General's representative, visited Tehran and Baghdad on a number of occasions. A further UN mission involving an Under Secretary-General of the organisation was to have taken place earlier this year but was postponed following the recent intensification of fighting and disagreement between Iran and Iraq as to its role.
The President of the Security Council, acting on behalf of Council members, issued a statement on recent developments on 30 March. The statement strongly condemned the use of chemical weapons reported by a UN investigatory mission. It also renewed the Council's call for the strict observance of a ceasefire and for a peaceful solution of the conflict. The members of the Security Council requested the Secretary-General to continue his mediatory efforts.
I am aware of the comprehensive resolution on the Iran-Iraq war adopted by the European Parliament on 19 January this year. I am in sympathy with the general thrust of this resolution and note in particular that the call for a supervised ceasefire and withdrawal to internationally recognised frontiers is in line with resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council.
The war and its implications have frequently been discussed in European Political Co-operation. The Ten have publicly expressed their concern about it and their desire to see a ceasefire and negotiations on a number of occasions since hostilities began in September 1980. The most recent statement was prepared at the European Council and issued by Foreign Ministers on 27 March. In it the Ten noted the sufferings of the peoples of both countries and the risk of a new and dangerous escalation in the conflict. They expressed the hope that each of the parties will finally agree to comply with the Security Council resolutions and heed the numerous appeals addressed to them by the international community. They wished to see the parties co-operating in the search for a peaceful solution, honourable for them both.
For its own part Ireland, in contacts with Iranian and Iraqi officials, has emphasised the desirability of a negotiated end to the conflict which is causing such death and destruction in both countries.
There is not much I can add to what I said a minute ago.