Finian McGrath
Question:477 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the Government's attitude to Iraq; and if he supports a US led military campaign in Iraq. [15588/02]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
Joe Higgins
Question:503 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to an opinion poll published in a newspaper (details supplied) showing a clear majority of the Irish people opposed to a war against Iraq; and if he will take this poll into account in formulating the policy of the Government in the event of war. [17240/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 477 and 503 together.
Ireland is a strong advocate of the system of collective international security based on the United Nations Charter. Under the terms of the UN Charter, the UN Security Council has the primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. All member states of the United Nations are bound by the UN Charter to carry out the decisions of the Security Council.
Iraq is therefore obliged to comply with the relevant Security Council resolutions and must live up fully to the conditions imposed on it by the Security Council. This means, as regards the elimination of weapons of mass destruction, that Iraq must agree to the return of arms inspectors in full accordance with the conditions laid down in Security Council resolutions, and not seek to impose its own conditions.
The Government shares in the growing international consensus that the Iraqi regime poses a potential threat to regional security. Up until now, Iraq has consistently failed to meet its obligations under international law and the relevant Security Council resolutions. Their recent decision to admit weapons inspectors without preconditions and in accordance with those resolutions is clearly a highly important development and is to be welcomed. However, past experience shows that the performance of the Iraqi regime must be judged on action not words.
We look forward to the earliest possible agreement on the return of the inspectors and the rapid commencement of work on the ground. We have been closely following the recent discussions that Mr. Hans Blix, head of the UN Weapons Inspection team, and Mr. Al Baradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, have been engaged in with the Iraqi authorities. These talks have resulted in substantial agreement on practical arrangements for the future work of the inspection team – although some issues in relation to the modalities of access remain to be finalised. We are ready to study any proposal for a further Security Council resolution which would bring further clarity to the conditions under which the inspectors would operate and would strengthen their ability to do their job.
The Government believes that diplomatic means continue to offer the best hope of resolving the current situation. The Government recognises and shares the public concern, reflected in the recent opinion poll to which the Deputy refers, to bring about a peaceful resolution to the situation brought about by Iraqi non-compliance. We believe that every possible effort should be made to avoid the use of military force, which could have grave repercussions for the stability of the region.
The fact is that the Iraqi Government has it in its power to avoid any further escalation by acceding in full to the demands of the Security Council in conformity with its obligations under the UN Charter. Such compliance would lead to the suspension and eventual removal of the present sanctions, thereby alleviating the current economic hardship faced by the Iraqi people.
In the unfortunate event that Iraq once again fails to meet its obligations under Security Council resolutions, it will be for the Security Council to assume its responsibilities and decide on any further action, including the possible use of force, as provided for under the UN Charter. We cannot now predict the circumstances which might prevail. Our hope must be that the Iraqi Government will act to ensure that the Security Council is never forced to take such a decision.