Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 19 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 5

Written Answers - Iraqi Crisis.

John Gormley

Question:

32 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the Government's policy in relation to the ongoing crisis in Iraq; and the measures, if any, that have been taken by this country's representatives at the United Nations, detailing the steps, if any, that have been taken to avoid the unnecessary use of force. [4325/98]

Proinsias De Rossa

Question:

37 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position on the current dispute involving Iraq; the steps, if any, he is taking to promote a peaceful resolution of the dispute; if it is the view of the Government that military force should not be used in this dispute; if he believes that the current Security Council resolution gives the US a mandate to launch a war against Iraq; the request, if any, which has been received from the United States or any other country for facilities in the State or permission for military aircraft to land in or overfly the State in the event of conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4414/98]

Ivan Yates

Question:

40 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the British EU Presidency consulted other EU member states, including Ireland, before taking a public position on the crisis in Iraq. [4262/98]

Willie Penrose

Question:

54 Mr. Penrose asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contact, if any, he has had with his counterpart in the US Administration in relation to the critical situation in Iraq. [4295/98]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 37, 40, 44 and 54 together.

I refer Deputies to the answer given to priority questions and on the current Iraqi crisis in which I outlined the position of the Government. It is of the utmost importance that all possible steps should be taken to find a peaceful solution to this problem. We welcome the efforts of UN Secretary General Annan and strongly support him in the mission he is undertaking to Baghdad.

It is the Government's view that the best means of resolving the current impasse should be found under the aegis of the Security Council through diplomatic means. Representatives of international bodies and governments including France, the Russian Federation and Turkey as well as the Arab League have been pursuing initiatives in this regard. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for these efforts and to encourage them to continue their endeavours.

The prevention of war is now the primary focus of attention for the members of the Security Council. Although Ireland is not a member, our mission to the United Nations has been actively monitoring all discussions by the Security Council. Contact with the United States is being maintained and I am confident that the United States is aware of our position in this matter.

In my opinion none of the existing Security Council resolutions unambiguously authorises military action in the present context. It would be most desirable, accordingly, that any state wishing to carry out such action revert to the Council for such authorisation.

As regards the seeking of permission for military aircraft to land in Ireland or to overfly Irish airspace in the event of conflict, no such request has been received and accordingly no decision has been made in this connection. Any such request would be considered in the light of the circumstances prevailing at the time.

Diplomatic efforts are ongoing and I remain hopeful that military action can be avoided and an acceptable compromise can be reached.