Written question asked by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Triesman (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 April 2006.

Water: Iraq, Turkey and Syria

Question: Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 3 November 2004 (WA 34–35), whether they have received any information from United Kingdom embassies in Ankara, Damascus and Baghdad about a dialogue between Iraq, Turkey and Syria on the equitable sharing of trans-boundary water resources; and, if not, whether they will make representations to the United Nations Secretary-General regarding the appointment of a special envoy to facilitate such a dialogue.

Answer: We do not believe there have been any subsequent trilateral meetings between Iraq, Turkey and Syria on the equitable sharing of trans-boundary water resources. Trans-boundary water resources are discussed as part of ongoing bilateral dialogue between Iraq, Turkey and Syria. We have received no reports on the specific nature of these discussions from the countries concerned. It is the Government’s view that it is for the countries concerned to find a lasting way forward. The Government have no plans to press for the UN Secretary-General to appoint a special envoy to facilitate a dialogue between these three countries. If called on, the World Bank has a high level of expertise in developing solutions to enable the equitable distribution of trans-boundary water resources. We support the bank’s work in the Middle East and other regions.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4951; 680 c248WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Symons of Vernham Dean, Baroness
Wednesday, 3 November 2004
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Iraq International cooperation Water supply Rivers Turkey Syria
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk