HC Deb 27 November 1996 vol 286 c330
13. Mr. Campbell-Savours

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he next intends to meet his American counterpart to discuss Iraq. [4598]

Mr. Hanley

My right hon. and learned Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed Iraq with Mr. Christopher on many occasions. There are no plans for a special meeting at this stage.

Mr. Campbell-Savours

To what extent has the relationship between Her Majesty's Government and Mr. Barzani been compromised or in any way influenced by his decision to ask Saddam Hussein for support during the recent conflict?

Mr. Hanley

I believe that there has been no change in our relationship.

Sir David Steel

While the Minister is waiting to find out who his American counterpart will be, is it the intention to revive the plans for humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq, especially the children, that were interrupted by the renewed confrontation with Saddam Hussein?

Mr. Hanley

I thank the right hon. Gentleman for his question. The Sanctions Committee meets today, and I hope that United Nations Security Council resolution 986 will be implemented so that much-needed humanitarian aid can be given to the people of Iraq. That aid has been held up by Saddam Hussein. He will soon be able to receive $1 billion every three months. That will provide—not before time—a total of $2.5 billion-worth of humanitarian aid to the people of Iraq.

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