Bernard J. Durkan
Question:155 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the context in which Irish peacekeepers are to be sent to Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21140/03]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:168 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the circumstances under which the Government will authorise the deployment of the defence forces to Iraq; and if there are any preconditions to such a deployment. [21097/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 168 together.
Ireland has consistently advocated a central role for the United Nations in the reconstruction of Iraq. We believe that the support of the United Nations is essential to efforts to help the Iraqi people to recover from their dire suffering over many years and to regain their sovereignty as soon as possible.
The Security Council is currently engaged in discussion on the way ahead. Ireland believes that the members of the Council must assume their responsibilities and reach agreement on a resolution that reflects the interests of the people of Iraq and that can enjoy the support of Iraq's regional neighbours and the wider international community. In this regard, the deployment of a multinational force to Iraq with the authorisation of the Security Council is clearly of critical importance.
At this stage, it is too early to comment meaningfully on the nature of, or conditions for, possible Irish participation in any such force, other than to point to the need for its authorisation by the Security Council. Should that condition be fulfilled and should Ireland be invited to participate in the force, the Government would consider the invitation in the normal manner.
Question No. 156 answered with Question No. 134.
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:157 Mr. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is his belief that there is a connection between al-Qaeda, the war on terrorism and the recent invasion and occupation of Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21063/03]
On 20 March 2003, the President of the Security Council was informed by the permanent representatives of the US and the UK to the United Nations that coalition forces had commenced military operations in Iraq in response to Iraq's failure to comply with its disarmament obligations under relevant Security Council resolutions.
A US press release of 17 March summarising comments by President Bush gives the additional grounds that Iraq had "aided terrorists, including al-Qaeda".
The Government's concern was the failure of the Iraqi regime to live up to its obligations under a series of UN Security Council resolutions. Hence, Ireland supported Security Council Resolution 1441 which sought to obtain the disarmament of Iraq by peaceful means.