Written question asked by Julian Lewis (Conservative) on Tuesday, 21 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 27 November 2000. It was answered by Lord Hain (Labour) on Monday, 27 November 2000 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 assessment he has made of the implications for UK sanctions against Iraq of recent French commercial dealings with the Iraqi regime. - Inc figure.

Answer: Dr. Julian Lewis: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications for UK sanctions against Iraq of recent French commercial dealings with the Iraqi regime. [140144] Mr. Hain: Sanctions against Iraq, imposed by the UN in response to its illegal invasion and occupation of Kuwait in 1990, will remain in place until Iraq fulfils its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions. Under the UN "oil for food" programme, $16 billion will be available this year for food, medicine and infrastructure contracts. European (including French and UK) companies are participating in this legal trade, which benefits the Iraqi people.

Secondary information