Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Jim Cousins (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 5 December 2006 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq

Question: Does my hon. Friend not agree that the UNCC regime must be brought to an end? It undermines the democratically elected Government of Iraq, because they are forced to levy their oil revenues to pay wealthy Kuwaitis and American big business. It is a regime imposed by the United Nations that was appropriate in its time, but its time is now over. Will the Government help to bring it to an end?

Answer: We have made it clear to the Paris creditors’ club that this debt burden is a significant hindrance to the reconstruction of Iraq. However, I should point out that many honest businesses and countries suffered as a consequence of Saddam Hussein’s invasion of Kuwait—not least the Kuwaitis themselves. I am sure that in a perfect world we could bring this situation to early closure, and we have to convince those Governments and companies that that is the right thing to do. Believe me, some of those Governments and companies feel extremely bitter about the losses that occurred as a consequence of Saddam Hussein’s illegal action.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 454 c140
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Compensation Iraq United Nations Debts written off Iraq-Kuwait conflict
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk