Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 7 June 2006.

Iraq

Question: My Lords, I am sure that we all share the concerns expressed by the noble Lord, Lord Renton of Mount Harry, about the level of violence, particularly in Baghdad and Basra. Can the Minister tell us a little more about what is happening in the north of the country? At a recent meeting in London, women representatives from the north of the country, particularly Erbil and Kirkuk, said that they felt that there was less violence there and that there were more opportunities for trade and commercial activity. Can the Minister endorse that view, or does she take a contrary view?

Answer: My Lords, my noble friend is absolutely correct. I am pleased to say that security incidents in the north are generally less severe and are far fewer than in other parts of the country. That is not to say that those areas have been spared attacks; they have not. There are still attacks by those who are intent on undermining the country’s stability. The people of northern Iraq are clearly committed to the political process, as are all Iraqis, and the establishment of the government is a huge step forward, which will strengthen economic development. I am pleased to say that GDP growth in Iraq for 2006 is projected at over 10 per cent.

Secondary information