§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement outlining the links which have been established to date between his Department and the Iraqi Kurdish National Assembly; and if he has any plans to place a diplomatic representative in Iraqi Kurdistan.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydA delegation from the Iraqi Kurdish National Assembly is at present visiting London. They will meet my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister for Overseas Development and officials.
We have no plans to place a diplomatic representative in northern Iraq.
§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make it his policy to maintain the air umbrella over northern Iraq.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe air umbrella over northern Iraq plays an important role in preserving the safety and well-being of the people of northern Iraq. The decision on its renewal rests with the Turkish National Assembly. We have been in close touch with the Turkish Government about this. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister discussed this issue with the Turkish Prime Minister during his visit to London last month.