Joyce15. Mr. To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the US Administration about Iraq. [45530]
§ Mr. BradshawThe most recent discussions on Iraq took place between my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister and President Bush in Crawford, Texas. We are putting all our diplomatic energy into securing Iraqi compliance with UN resolutions—but are considering all options to ensure Iraq cannot threaten its people or neighbours. We will proceed patiently and prudently, in consultation with our allies.
§ 27. Mr. CrausbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on recent discussions he has had with his partners in the international coalition against terrorism about Iraq. [45542]
§ Mr. BradshawMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary regularly discusses our concerns about Iraq's support for international terrorism with his partners in the international coalition against terrorism.
§ 39. Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Iraq. [45554]
§ Mr. BradshawWe continue to have serious concerns about Iraq's development of weapons of mass destruction. The international community's most pressing demand is that Iraq allow weapons inspectors to return and finish their work. We intend to consider the way forward in a calm, measured, sensible, but firm way.
§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of Iraq's military intentions; and if he will make a statement. [49826]
§ Mr. BradshawAs UN weapons inspectors have not been allowed access to Iraq for three years, we do not have detailed knowledge of the Iraqi Government's military intentions. But we do know that Saddam is continuing his chemical and biological weapons programme and is developing the long-range missiles to deliver them. It is important that we remain vigilant about the threat he poses to the region and the wider world.
§ Lembit ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of Iraq's involvement in international terrorism; and if he will make a statement. [49825]
826W
§ Mr. BradshawIraq has a long-standing record of support for terrorism; this includes support for Palestinian terrorist groups and the activities against Iran of the Iranian terrorist group, the Mujaheddin-e-Khalq (MeK), as well as the assassination of political opponents.