Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:139 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position in regard to the war on Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9932/03]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
The Government outlined its position on the current situation in Iraq to the House on 20 March, when the Dáil was recalled so that it could consider the serious deterioration in the situation.
Our fundamental position has not changed since then. It is a matter of regret to Ireland that military conflict in Iraq is continuing. However, we must now look to the future and to what can be done to minimise the suffering of the Iraqi people.
We hope the conflict will be brought to a conclusion as soon as possible. We expect the parties to live up to their obligations under international humanitarian law in relation to the need to safeguard the civilian population.
We stand ready to assist with international efforts to redress the humanitarian crisis which will inevitably accompany the use of military force in Iraq. We hope a fully co-ordinated humanitarian effort will be established as soon as conditions allow, with a central role for the United Nations. The Government has committed €5 million in humanitarian assistance for the alleviation of suffering of innocent Iraqi civilians.
It is essential that the UN Security Council now seeks to re-establish a unity of purpose and action. I am confident that the UN will overcome this crisis and continue as the centre of an effective system of collective international security.