Written question asked by Ann Clwyd (Labour) on Thursday, 22 July 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 27 July 1999. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Tuesday, 27 July 1999 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will make it his policy to seek the extradition of a responsible member of the Iraqi regime from a third country to face charges under the Genocide Act 1969 for persecution of the Kurds of Northern Iraq and the Marsh Arabs of Southern Iraq.

Answer: Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to seek the extradition of a responsible member of the Iraqi regime from a third country to face charges under the Genocide Act 1969 for persecution of the Kurds of Northern Iraq and the Marsh Arabs of Southern Iraq. [93510] Mr. Hoon: While the Government would wish to see members of the Iraqi regime brought to justice for the appalling crimes they have committed, under the Genocide Act 1969, the Government do not have the right to prosecute individuals for crimes committed beyond the limits of national territory.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 93510; 336 c378W
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Extradition Iraq Genocide Minority groups Oppression Kurds Marsh Arabs