HC Deb 03 December 2003 vol 415 cc72-3W
Miss McIntosh:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the impact of the conflict in Iraq on the war on terrorism. [140585]

Mr. MacShane:

International co-operation has had and is continuing to have a substantial negative effect on al-Qaeda and associated groups. This co-operation has not been affected by coalition action in Iraq and is continuing at a high level. The establishment of a stable, democratic Iraq enjoying the proper rule of law will be Iraq's best defence against terrorism and will more effectively defeat the cause of al-Qaeda and other international terrorist groups.

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