Written question asked by Jim Fitzpatrick (Labour) on Tuesday, 24 February 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 March 1998. It was answered by Derek Fatchett (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 March 1998 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, what account Her Majesty's Government will take of US Government policy in determining its policy towards (a) lifting and (b) amending UN sanctions against Iraq.

Answer: Mr. Fitzpatrick: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what account Her Majesty's Government will take of US Government policy in determining their policy towards (a) lifting and (b) amending UN sanctions against Iraq. [31763] Mr. Fatchett: The criteria for lifting sanctions are set out in paragraphs 21 and 22 of United Nations Security Council Resolution 687; they relate to the policies and practices of the Government of Iraq and implementation of the Security Council Resolutions. The Security Council cannot consider lifting sanctions until the Government of Iraq have shown themselves willing to meet those criteria. We do not wish to see sanctions maintained for any longer than is necessary. We have welcome the recent Memorandum of Understanding between the United Nations and the Government of Iraq. In it, the Government of Iraq reconfirm their acceptance of all relevant UN resolutions and undertake to co-operate fully with UNSCOM and the IAEA. When the Government of Iraq comply with the relevant Security Council Resolutions, sanctions can be relaxed.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 31763; 307 c511W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Iraq International Atomic Energy Agency UN resolutions Sanctions UN Special Commission on Iraq UN Security Council