I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 77 and 86 together.
The issue of peace and stability in Iraq is a matter which is primarily the responsibility of the Security Council of the United Nations. The council has been actively seized of the matter since the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait in August 1990.
In November 1998 the Security Council considered a report by the chairman of UNSCOM indicating that there was serious non-compliance by Iraq with the provisions of relevant Security Council resolutions. The issue of the destruction of Iraq's weapons of mass destruction – weapons which that regime has not hesitated to use on innocent civilians – was not one that could be dismissed. Iraq must comply fully with the terms of the resolutions of the Security Council relating to this issue.
I have made my position on the question of the US and British military activity against Iraqi air defences clear on a number of occasions. I was deeply disappointed that the use of force was deemed necessary in December. As to whether such activity is properly mandated by the Security Council, the determination of this is a matter in the first instance for the members of the council.
I remain concerned at the continuation of this military action. I cannot see it having other than negative effects on the grave humanitarian situation facing the Iraqi people. I can only hope that this activity comes to an end as soon as possible.
The Security Council began, in January 1999, a major discussion on the options regarding the full implementation of all the relevant Security Council resolutions by Iraq. To assist it in this task, the council decided to establish three separate panels to address issues relating to humanitarian assistance, arms inspections and prisoners of war respectively.
As regards the plan submitted by France in January, I welcomed the thrust of this plan when it was first tabled. Some at least of the elements in this plan have been reflected in the panels' reports.
On 25 February the UN Secretary General presented a report to the Security Council on the implementation of the United Nations oil for food programme over the previous 180 day period. It found that while there had been an increase in the amount of oil exported, the revenue received was down due to the fall in oil prices. Consequently, less was available for the humanitarian programme. In addition, partly due to poor Iraqi distribution arrangements and partly to stockpiling by that Government, $275 million worth of medicines and medical supplies were accumulated in warehouses in Iraq.