Written question asked by Joan Ruddock (Labour) on Monday, 12 May 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 May 2003. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Thursday, 15 May 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, pursuant to his statement of 12th May, 405 c21-35, on Iraq, how and when invitations will be issued for the national conference; and what steps are being taken to ensure an equal participation of Iraqi women in the conference.

Answer: Joan Ruddock: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to his statement of 12th May 2003 on Iraq, how and when invitations will be issued for the national conference; and what steps are being taken to ensure an equal participation of Iraqi women in the conference. [113491] Mr. Mike O'Brien: At the Central Iraq Meeting of 28 April 2003, it was agreed to arrange a national conference to establish an Iraqi Interim Authority (IIA). A number of leading Iraqis are being consulted on creating a broad spectrum of Iraqi opinion at the conference. There is a Steering Committee which may issue the invitations to the national conference as soon as is practicable. The UK Special Representative for Iraq, John Sawers, is working with the US and the Iraqi representatives to facilitate this process and has raised with all parties the issue of women's participation.

Secondary information