Written question asked by Harold Best (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 July 2003. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 10 July 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, what assistance the Government will provide for the families of Iraqi citizens who disappeared in Iraq seeking a return of their confiscated property and assets in Iraq.

Answer: Mr. Best: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance the Government will provide for the families of Iraqi citizens who disappeared in Iraq seeking a return of their confiscated property and assets in Iraq. [123691] Mr. Rammell: We recognise the past suffering of the Iraqi people, and the grief they have experienced. However, it will be for the Iraqi people to take decisions regarding possible compensation for confiscated property and assets of those who disappeared. The Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) is setting up an Office of Human Rights and Transitional Justice, which will include the issue of the disappeared in its remit. The CPA is working with NGOs and international organisations on proposals to assist in this area, including counselling and advocacy, which might benefit surviving family members.

Secondary information