I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 25 together.
As a member of the Security Council, Ireland has taken an active part in attempts to resolve the crisis in Iraq and to promote peace in the Middle East. Our contact with the US Administration has not led to an indication that the US is considering military action in Iraq in the near future. In his meeting with the Taoiseach, President Bush expressed grave concern at Iraq's defiance of Security Council resolutions, the threat posed by Iraqi efforts to develop chemical and biological weapons and its refusal to co-operate with the UN disarmament mission. Mr. Bush indicated, however, that the US has no immediate plans for military action.
The US has indicated that it is reviewing its policy on Iraq, but its efforts will continue to be focused on achieving Security Council agreement on the reform of sanctions and the return of UN arms inspectors. The Taoiseach made the general point that diplomatic options should be fully exhausted before engaging in an extension of the use of military force and that the primary responsibility for resolving international issues lies with the United Nations. Following the meeting, the Taoiseach said that President Bush wants to ensure that the justice, peace and well-being of the world is protected and that he is prepared to make every necessary effort to achieve that.
The Government continues to insist that Iraq abides by Security Council resolutions and allows the return of UN weapons inspectors as the quickest and most appropriate way of achieving a resolution of the current situation. The Government believes that diplomatic options have not been exhausted and is seriously concerned by the possible use of military force. Primary responsibility for resolving international crises rests with the United Nations and in this regard I welcome the resumption of its dialogue with Iraq. The Government considers that multilateral co-operation in the UN on the application of sanctions remains the best approach in tackling the threat from Iraq.
The humanitarian situation in Iraq continues to be of deep concern. In addition to seeking Iraq's full co-operation with the United Nations, the Government will continue its efforts in the Security Council to bring about a reform of sanctions to address suffering and to eliminate restrictions on humanitarian and essential infrastructural goods entering Iraq. Ireland will work with its EU partners and others in the international community to ensure that tensions are resolved without recourse to military action.
Ireland was among the countries which voted in favour of Security Council Resolution 1397, which for the first time referred to a Palestinian state alongside Israel. We shall continue to work for an active role in promoting a just and lasting solution. The position of the European Union was stated most recently by the European Council at Barcelona on 16 March. The declaration sets out clearly the EU's expectations of both parties, outlines the steps necessary to achieve peace and expresses support for recent initiatives, including Resolution 1397, the ideas of Crown Prince Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and the renewed engagement of the US special envoy, General Zinni.
The EU continues to engage actively with the relevant major parties. It is disturbing that there is violence in the Middle East at a time when new initiatives are being considered by the UN, the EU and the Arab League, which is holding a summit meeting in Beirut today. I hold out hope for progress, however, and do not accept that the region is drifting towards war. I regret that the Israeli authorities have imposed conditions which resulted in President Arafat being unable to attend today's meeting. I assure the House that all efforts towards peace in the UN, the EU or other international fora will have Ireland's full support.