Written question asked by Jimmy Wray (Labour) on Wednesday, 2 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 September 2003. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Monday, 1 September 2003 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 a statement on his discussions on the future government of Iraq; and whether former Ba'ath Party officials will be involved in them.

Answer: Mr. Wray: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on his discussions on the future government of Iraq; and whether former Ba'ath Party officials will be involved in them. [124030] Mr. Rammell: During his visit to Iraq my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the evolving political process with Iraqis, US Ambassador Paul Bremer and UN Special Representative Sergio Vieira de Mello. There was broad consensus towards our approach, supported by UNSCR 1483, of helping Iraqis form a representative transitional administration leading to elections and democratic government. On 16 May, the Coalition Provisional Authority issued an Order disestablishing the Ba'ath Party. This Order removes and bars all members of the Ba'ath Party at the rank of Senior Member and above from positions of authority in the future. All Ba'ath Party members suspected of criminal conduct will be investigated and, if necessary, detained.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 124030; 409 c802W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Iraq Membership Political parties Politics and government Baath movement
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk