Written question asked by Lord Hague of Richmond (Conservative) on Tuesday, 22 May 2007, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 24 May 2007. It was answered by Baroness Beckett (Labour) on Friday, 15 June 2007 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Iraq: Peace Keeping Operations

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the likely effect of the security walls being constructed in Baghdad on the security situation in Baghdad; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: The security walls are being constructed by the Multinational Force (Iraq), under US command. We understand that they are a temporary measure to create secure neighbourhoods as part of a much wider range of measures being taken as part of the Iraqi-led Baghdad security plan. This plan, and the increase in US troop numbers in and around Baghdad, are designed to improve the security situation in Iraq.It is too early to judge the success of the plan, not least because not all the additional US military units are in place. However, early indications show some signs for encouragement. Whilst the incidence of high profile suicide attacks remains of deep concern, other forms of sectarian violence are below pre-plan levels and the Iraqi security forces have so far performed well. Ultimately, efforts to improve security in Baghdad are designed to create the conditions in which Iraqis themselves can make progress on reconciliation and power-sharing, and we continue to provide encouragement and practical support to this process.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 139613; 461 c1375-6W
Session: 2006-07
Notes: Columns in printed daily part are numbered two columns ahead of columns on Hansard Online. Column numbers on PIMS refer to Hansard Online
Subjects: Iraq Peacekeeping operations
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk