Joe Higgins
Question:106 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he discussed the Iraqi crisis with the British authorities at the meeting in Hillsborough; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7474/03]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
Since the question was put down for answer some time ago, I presume that the Deputy is referring to the meeting which took place at Hillsborough on 3 and 4 March of this year. The content of these discussions was addressed in detail in this House on 5 March and again on 11 March.
As will be clear from the responses made in the House on those dates, the meeting was focused on the issues relating to the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. The question of Iraq was not on the agenda.
As the Deputy will be aware, a further meeting took place in Hillsborough yesterday. In our meeting with the Prime Minister Mr. Blair and President Bush, the Taoiseach and I focused in particular on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. However, the opportunity was also availed of to convey to the President and the Prime Minister our views on the situation in Iraq, including the future role of the United Nations in that country following the end of the conflict.