Seán Power
Question:96 Mr. Power asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent discussions he has had in relation to the situation in Iraq; and if the sanctions will be lifted in the near future. [6849/01]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
Over the past number of days I have held a series of high level meetings with Russian Foreign Minister Ivanov in Moscow on 21 February; with French Foreign Minister Vedrine in Paris on 23 February; and with the new US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, in Washington on Wednesday, 28 February.
These meetings had already been planned before the air attacks in Iraq and the agenda covered a broad range of issues. These included the general situation in the Middle East and recent developments in Iraq, in particular the question of the continuing UN economic sanctions and their humanitarian cost. On Iraq, my objective was to ascertain how thinking is developing in these capitals with a view to identifying what is the most effective role Ireland can play in promoting a forward looking and constructive approach which would address both the humanitarian concern and the key issue of the threat which the Iraqi regime, by refusing to allow the UN verify the elimination of its weapons of mass destruction, poses to its neighbours in the region.
In my discussions in Moscow, Paris and Washington I outlined the concern of the Government at the suffering being endured by the Iraqi civilian population and at the difficulties arising in the provision of humanitarian assistance as a result of sanctions. I explained the approach which Ireland has taken in the Security Council, that recent developments in Iraq need to be con sidered in the broader context, focusing on the humanitarian aspects and on the need for Iraq to comply with Security Council resolutions, especially those relating to the elimination of weapons of mass destruction. I particularly focused on the need to encourage new thinking on how to move beyond the current impasse in the Security Council where the Permanent Five are in dispute on the way forward and to reach agreement on a comprehensive solution as soon as possible.
I was pleased at the welcome given in my meetings to the constructive position adopted by Ireland on the issue. Both Moscow and Paris indicated to me their support for a re-evaluation of the implementation of the current sanctions to take due account of the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people. The US Secretary of State briefed me on the visit he had just completed to several Middle East capitals, one of the principal purposes of which was to assess the position in respect of Iraq. He was particularly concerned to contain Iraqi access to weapons of mass destruction, and interested in the possibility of a sanctions regime more focused towards that objective.
I believe from the outcome of my meetings that there is an emerging view, including on the part of the new US Administration, in favour of examining possible new approaches to the implementation of sanctions.
The Government support the ongoing efforts of UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan, to restart a process of dialogue between Iraq and the UN. We welcome the meeting which took place last week between the Secretary General and the Iraqi Foreign Minister. These contacts will resume.
Ireland will continue to contribute actively to discussions on this issue in the Security Council and in the sanctions committee. The Government will work to ensure that sufficient progress can be made to permit additional measures to substantially reduce the humanitarian cost of the sanctions.
It remains the Government's wish to see the lifting of the UN economic sanctions against Iraq altogether. To bring this about it is necessary for Iraq to co-operate with the new United Nations disarmament supervisory commission and to demonstrate with concrete evidence its peaceful intentions, especially with regard to its neighbours. The Government also wish to see full co-operation between Iraq and the UN humanitarian assistance programmes. We remain concerned that the widespread suffering of the Iraqi people has been exacerbated by the apparent withholding of food and medical supplies from the general population by the Iraqi regime and by the diversion of resources to government and military purposes.
The Government looks forward to the day when Iraq will be able to resume its place in the international community.