HL Deb 15 March 1988 vol 494 cc1033-5

3.8 p.m.

Lord Molloy asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are considering to seek to replace United Nations Resolution No. 598 concerning the Iran-Iraq war with one to contain effective arms sanctions.

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, there is no question of replacing Security Council Resolution 598. It is a mandatory resolution whch remains in force. We are actively engaged in discussion aimed at obtaining implementation of Security Council Resolution 598. This may well require imposition of an arms embargo.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, does the Minister not agree that in the circumstances of the Iran-Iraq war both the relevant chapter and the specific United Nations resolution are totally and completely useless? To say that we cannot change something just because a regulation states that we cannot means that people will continue to be killed and slain and the appalling war will continue. Ought we not to consult our senior allies to see whether something more realistic can be achieved by imposing effective arms sanctions on the participants in this appalling war?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, it is a fact, nevertheless, that Resolution 598 is mandatory and it is underpinned by the unity of the Five. It has been adopted unanimously; it must be obeyed and it remains the best basis for a negotiated settlement. We must therefore move to measures to enforce implementation, which is what I think the noble Lord wants us to do. We continue to play a leading part in the discussions in New York as co-ordinator of the Five on progress towards an arms embargo.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, on the question of implementation, can the Minister confirm that following the visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister to this country China is prepared to impose an arms embargo on Iran? Secondly, will be give the view of Her Majesty's Government on the Soviet Union's proposals to appoint a mediator?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, I am afraid that I cannot tell the noble Lord the response of the Chinese or indeed go into detail on the discussions which my right honourable friend the Secretary of State had with the Chinese Foreign Minister. I am not aware of the position at the moment on the question of a mediator. A draft document towards an arms embargo is under discussion among the Five and it has now been circulated to non-permanent members. We are awaiting further discussions. There would be no fixed timing as regards any enforcement resolution but the movement towards enforcement must be carefully prepared. I think that the noble Lord will agree that the unity of the Five and the unanimity of counsel are important objectives which would add weight to the resolution.

Lord Cledwyn of Penrhos

My Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for giving that full reply. Can he say a little more about the discussions to which he referred? What is the form of the discussions and how long will they take?

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, there is no short answer to the point raised by the noble Lord. Neither side can expect to continue to flout the wishes of the international community, as expressed by Security Council Resolution 598, without serious repercussions. We are trying to achieve progress towards the arms embargo, which appears to be the best way forward, and we in the United Kingdom are playing an important part in that.

Lord Molloy

My Lords, is not the Minister aware that over the past few months he has quite rightly stated the Government's endeavours in trying to bring some form of arms embargo and sanctions into a reality? It appears that that will be quite impossible simply by adhering to Chapter III and to this resolution of the United Nations. There must be other nations with which our Government have had discussions in New York and which would be prepared to work with the British Government in imposing arms sanctions in order to bring an end to this horrid war.

Lord Glenarthur

My Lords, the discussions among the Five on the now circulated document are precisely about that point. We are awaiting further opportunities for discussion and we are as keen as the noble Lord to see progress in this difficult matter. We shall continue to pursue the matter with all vigour.