John Gormley
Question:11 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will support the lifting of economic sanctions against Iraq; and the actions, if any, it is considering in this regard. [8331/00]
Written Answers. - Sanctions Against Iraq.
Michael D. Higgins
Question:38 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the comments made by the director of UNICEF Ireland (details supplied) regarding the severe hardship and suffering being imposed on the Iraqi people as a result of UN sanctions; the steps, if any, he will take to ensure that ordinary Iraqi people are not made to suffer due to the crimes of Saddam Hussein; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8456/00]
Nora Owen
Question:47 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the effect of sanctions against Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8294/00]
Proinsias De Rossa
Question:80 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will seek the support of other members of the UN in view of the comments of 7 March 2000 of the Minister of State at his Department in which she indicated she would like to see the lifting of all non-military sanctions against Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8457/00]
John Bruton
Question:149 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the resignation of the humanitarian co-ordinator of the United Nations for Iraq, Mr. Hans Von Sponeck; and his views on the concerns expressed by Mr. Von Sponeck regarding the humanitarian effects of the embargo against Iraq and its political utility and proportionality. [6967/00]
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:157 Caoimhghin Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the need to end the economic sanctions against the people of Iraq at the United Nations, the Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union and with the United States Government. [8605/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 11, 38, 47, 80, 149 and 157 together.
The Government is deeply concerned about the suffering being endured by the Iraqi people and at the difficulties arising for the implementation of international humanitarian aid programmes as a result of sanctions. These difficulties have been reflected in the recent resignation of Mr. Hans von Sponeck and in the earlier resignation of his predecessor, Mr. Dennis Halliday, which are disturbing. The director of UNICEF Ireland has also drawn attention to the severe hardship and suffering.
We are involved in discussions within the EU and the United Nations about the humanitarian situation in Iraq. The Taoiseach and the Minister for Foreign Affairs raised our concerns directly with the US Secretary of State, Mrs. Albright, on St. Patrick's Day, in Washington. They urged that the United States, as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, seek to ensure that the difficulties under the sanctions programme are addressed.
The imposition and administration of the sanctions remain, primarily, a matter for the Security Council. The Council continues to impose sanctions on Iraq as a result of the Iraqi Government's refusal to co-operate with the UN Special Commission appointed to verify the dismantling of Iraq's programme to acquire weapons of mass destruction. The Government regret that Iraq has not so far fully complied with the resolutions adopted by the Security Council, particularly as regards the resolutions addressing the question of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction.
The Security Council has established a committee for the express purpose of overseeing the application of sanctions. A debate is scheduled to take place tomorrow 24 March in the Security Council on sanctions. Contrary to earlier indications, this debate will not be open to non-members of the Security Council. We trust, however, that there will be a full discussion which will contribute towards advancing this issue.
The Security Council clearly needs to take greater account of the grave humanitarian situation of the Iraqi people in its further consideration of the sanctions issue. In particular, we would advocate a reduction in the number of refusals and delays by the sanctions committee in clearing supplies contracted under the oil for food programme.
On 17 December 1999, the Security Council adopted a comprehensive resolution, number 1284, in which it decided to continue to impose sanctions against Iraq. In the same resolution, the Security Council unconditionally removed the ceiling on the export of oil to fund the purchase of humanitarian supplies and provided for the suspension, and ultimate lifting, of sanctions in return for Iraqi co-operation with the military, or more properly speaking, disarmament provisions of the resolution.
In so doing, the Security Council is acting within the powers and responsibilities conferred on it under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. Article 41 of the charter empowers the Security Council to interrupt economic relations where it has determined there is a threat to international peace. Ireland stands by its obligation under Article 25 of the charter to accept and carry out the decisions of the Security Council. This is binding upon all UN member states.
The Government would urge the Iraqi government to comply with this and other relevant Security Council resolutions, as well as to co-operate adequately with the UN oil for food programme and in particular to ensure equitable dis tribution to the civilian population of supplies made available under that programme.
I hope very much that, in the light of the forthcoming discussions in the Security Council, and with the necessary co-operation from Baghdad, real progress can be made towards the reduction of suffering and hardship in Iraq.