Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 31 March 2004
109 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the evidence given in sworn inquiry by a senior official in the US Administration that the invasion of Iraq has significantly weakened the multi-lateral support for the war on terrorism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10104/04]
View answerI am not aware any evidence has been provided to the effect that the invasion of Iraq has significantly weakened the multilateral support for the war on terrorism. A former official of the US Administration has voiced the opinion that by invading Iraq the president of the US has greatly undermined the war on terrorism. Evaluation of that opinion is a matter for individual judgement.
It remains the case that there is very strong multilateral support for the fight against terrorism as evidenced by the many measures taken by the international community including the adoption of UN Resolution 1373 of 28 September 2001 and the most recent measures, Declaration on Combating Terrorism, adopted by the European Council on 25 March 2004.
111 Mr. Coveney asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the findings of the US Council on Foreign Relations task force studying developments in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9985/04]
View answerI am aware of the report to which the Deputy refers. My officials are in the process of studying it at present.
The report provides a useful assessment of the current situation in Iraq and makes a number of recommendations on future action. Our initial assessment shows a number of suggestions in the report which we would welcome. In particular, we welcome its recommendation that the US Administration should "secure a meaningful and effective role in Iraq for the UN". Ireland and our EU partners have consistently maintained the view that a strong UN role in the political transition process is an essential element for its success. In this context, we are very pleased with the decision of the Iraqi Governing Council to invite the UN to help with the transfer of sovereignty at the end of June and future national elections and the acceptance of this invitation by the United Nations Secretary General, Kofi Annan.
