Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 23 November 2004
268 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the US Government regarding the killing of an unarmed Iraqi in Falluja by an American soldier which was broadcast by American networks and was in total contravention of the Geneva Convention; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30181/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe US authorities have already announced an investigation into the circumstances of the incident in question, and the soldier involved has been withdrawn from the area. In these circumstances, it is not necessary to make representations to that effect. I expect the US authorities to ensure that its forces operate at all times in conformity with international law.
269 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has carried out any form of review of his decision to allow Shannon Airport to be used as a staging post by US military forces for the war in Iraq; if not, if he will consider initiating a review particularly in view of the refusal of these same US forces to allow emergency humanitarian aid into the devastated city of Falluja to relieve the civilian population. [30308/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe use of Shannon airport by the US military is a long-standing practice which has been in place for several decades. On 20 March 2003, following an extensive debate, the Government decision to maintain the availability of these facilities was approved by Dáil Éireann. The US forces serving in Iraq are part of the multinational force operating at the request of the interim Iraqi Government. The presence of the multinational force in Iraq was authorised by the UN Security Council in Resolution 1511 of 16 October 2003. This authorisation has been reaffirmed in Resolution 1546 of 8 June 2004. I expect the multinational force and the interim Iraqi Government operating in Falluja to do whatever is possible to allow the humanitarian needs of the people of Falluja to be addressed.
