Ray Burke
Ceist:64 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's and EU's position regarding an alleged involvement of Iranian forces in the invasion of Sulaimaniya. [19087/96]
Written Answers. - Iraqi Conflict.
The Government is deeply concerned at the renewal of fighting in northern Iraq, which has resulted in the recapture of the city of Sulaimaniya by forces loyal to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK). Iran has publicly denied that it has been involved in the inter-Kurdish fighting in northern Iraq, or that it has supported the PUK in its drive against the Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP). In recent days the KDP has recovered territory which it previously lost to the PUK. The military situation in northern Iraq remains unstable.
The most recent upsurge in fighting has also brought new fears of an exodus of refugees from northern Iraq. The Union has already undertaken a number of steps to alleviate the humanitarian plight of refugees in northern Iraq, and will continue to closely monitor the humanitarian situation and co-ordinate closely with its EU partners, and NGOs operating in the area, to assist in alleviating the situation of the Kurdish population.
As I indicated to the Deputy in my reply to his Questions Nos. 111 and 113 of 25 September 1996, the Foreign Ministers of the Union, meeting informally in Tralee on 7-8 September, outlined general principles on the situation in the Gulf which form the basis for a strong common policy in relation to Iraq.
The Union is willing to pursue contacts with the neighbouring countries in the region with a view to de-escalating tensions in northern Iraq. Partners are also all agreed on the need to ensure that steps are taken to relieve the suffering of the Iraqi civilian population, and children in particular, through the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 986 which would allow the sale of Iraqi oil to pay for food and medical supplies, and which it is envisaged will enter into force shortly.
Diplomatic efforts now must focus on convincing the parties to end the current round of fighting and to enter into negotiations. I support the talks currently being held by a senior US official with the leaders of the two main Kurdish factions with a view to establishing a ceasefire. This would increase security and stability in northern Iraq and help both parties to resolve their differences on their own. Ireland, as Presidency of the EU, will continue to work closely with its European partners and other countries so that the Union can exercise all its influence in order to ensure that international order and stability are maintained and calm is restored to the region.