Billy Timmins
Question:64 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of recent EU discussions on Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15017/02]
Written Answers. - Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Discussions with our EU partners on Iraq in recent weeks have concentrated on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1409 which places the economic sanctions against Iraq on a new basis and which should result in a major improvement in the living conditions of the Iraqi people. This is reflected in the declaration on Iraq issued by the EU on 20 May.
The declaration welcomed the meetings between Mr. Naji Sabri, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iraq, and Mr. Kofi Annan, Secretary General of the United Nations, aimed at finding a diplomatic solution to the question of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. It also gave unreserved support to the efforts of the Secretary General and the Security Council as a whole. It reaffirmed the attachment of the EU to the unconditional observation of the Security Council resolutions and called on Iraq to comply with the resolutions without delay. It welcomed the adoption of Resolution 1409 and called on Iraq to co-operate fully with the new sanctions regime.