§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister, pursuant to his answer of 30 October 2000,Official Report, column 280W, what factors underlay his decision not to hold discussions with the Iraqi Government on the hijacking of a Saudi Arabian aircraft. [136861]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 15 November 2000]: The Iraqi Government severed diplomatic relations with the UK in February 1991. The Saudi Government naturally took the lead in discussions with the Iraqi Government to resolve the hijacking of Saudi Air flight SV115. I am grateful for the assistance provided by the Russian Embassy in Baghdad which was in touch with the local authorities on our behalf.