Paul McGrath
Ceist:105 Mr. P. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the attacks that have been directed against the UN and the Red Cross in Iraq. [26812/03]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
I condemn the recent violent attacks in Iraq. Attacks on civilians cannot be justified under any circumstances, while attacks against international relief agencies and targets with high risk of civilian casualties are also particularly abhorrent.
The significance of the attacks on the UN and Red Cross cannot be underestimated. The Red Cross has stressed that it will not leave Iraq but is reducing its foreign staff based there. The United Nations has ordered the temporary withdrawal of its remaining international staff from Baghdad as part of a review of the security situation there. Several other aid agencies have announced they will be scaling down or reassessing their operations in Iraq, in light of the deteriorating security situation.
The withdrawal or scaling down of operations by aid agencies is understandable in these circumstances but very regrettable. It will without doubt have a negative impact on the ordinary people of Iraq.
This is a crucial time for Iraq and the entire international community must work together to restore peace and stability to a sovereign and democratic Iraq as soon as possible, as called for unanimously by the members of the Security Council in Resolution 1511 of 16 October.
Question No. 106 answered with Question No. 47.
Question No. 107 answered with Question No. 52.