Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Oct 2000

Vol. 524 No. 3

Written Answers. - Publication of Reports.

Jan O'Sullivan

Question:

48 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has concluded his examination of the report from the three MEPs who visited Iraq on a fact finding mission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22350/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I welcome the report by Niall Andrews, MEP, on his visit with two other members of the European Parliament to Iraq, which was published in The Irish Times on 6 June.

That report highlighted international concern about the serious humanitarian situation faced by the Iraqi people, and full account will be taken of its implications in our continued consideration of the issue in light of developments and in line with the policy I have outlined already.

I hope that there can be a full implementation of Resolution 1284 which unconditionally removed the ceiling on the export of oil to fund the purchase of humanitarian supplies as well as other measures to ease the effects of sanctions. This includes an accelerated procedure for the approval of humanitarian supplies, in operation since the beginning of March. It also provides for the suspension of sanctions in return for Iraqi co-operation with a new disarmament supervisory commission, UNMOVIC, and full compliance with all conditions imposed by the security council. I would urge the Iraqi government to co-operate fully in complying with security council resolutions.

Question No. 49 taken with Question No. 40.