Vol. 461 No. 1
67 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Ireland will support the partial lifting of sanctions against Iraq in view of their devastating effect on the civilian population, especially children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2365/96]
The sanctions on Iraq were imposed by the UN Security Council after the Gulf War as a consequence of the consistent refusal of Saddam Hussein's regime to comply with Security Council resolutions, which were aimed at bringing about the dismantling of Iraq's arsenal of weapons of mass destruction and the ending of its massive violations of human rights. While I am very concerned at reports of a sharp deterioration in the food and nutrition situation in Iraq, especially as this affects children, I must point out that the Security Council has adopted a number of resolutions allowing Iraq to export substantial quantities of oil in order to fund the purchase of food, medicine and other items for essential civilian use. The most recent such resolution was Security Council Resolution 986 which was adopted in April last and which considerably expanded the terms under which Iraq could sell oil for this purpose. It was intended that this resolution, like its predecessors, would relieve the suffering of the civilian population. Iraq must comply fully with all relevant Security Council resolutions as this is the only means whereby lasting peace and stability can be established in Iraq and the Gulf region. I, therefore, very much welcome the recent announcement that the Iraqi authorities intend to start talks with the UN Secretary General today on implementing the oil for food formula, which is the basis of Resolution 986.
