Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Thursday, 6 May 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 May 2004. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Thursday, 20 May 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, what status of forces agreement is proposed for Iraq following the proposed transfer of sovereignty; whether it will be different from that currently pertaining; whether the private security forces and other quasi-military personnel contracted to Coalition forces operating in Iraq will (a) be covered by it and (b) be subject to any form of control by the proposed new Iraqi administration; what plans he has for a new United Nations resolution which would cover the status of forces including private and quasi-military contractors; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what status of forces agreement is proposed for Iraq following the proposed transfer of sovereignty; whether it will be different from that currently pertaining; whether the private security forces and other quasi-military personnel contracted to Coalition forces operating in Iraq will (a) be covered by it and (b) be subject to any form of control by the proposed new Iraqi administration; what plans he has for a new United Nations resolution which would cover the status of forces including private and quasi-military contractors; and if he will make a statement. [172281] Mr. Rammell: The precise new arrangements for the Multinational Force and private security companies operating in Iraq after the transfer of sovereignty are being discussed. We expect a new United Nations Security Council Resolution to endorse the future role of the Multinational Force..

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 172281; 421 c1164W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Armed forces Companies Iraq Peacekeeping operations Politics and government Sovereignty Private military and security companies
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk