Written question asked by Lord Campbell of Pittenweem (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 14 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 12 October 2004. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Tuesday, 12 October 2004 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 border traffic between Turkey and Iraq. (Holding answer 11 October 2004).

Answer: Sir Menzies Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on border traffic between Turkey and Iraq. [189369] Mr. Straw: [holding answer of 11 October 2004]: There have been severe delays to traffic crossing the Habur gate between Turkey and Iraq. I discussed this with both Turkish and Iraqi governments when I visited last week and encouraged them to find a solution. Discussions are continuing, including consideration of a possible second border crossing point. Tailbacks on the Turkish side of the Habur crossing are 40-50km long. It can take two weeks for a truck to get through.

Secondary information