§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what initiatives he intends to take to protect Shias in southern Iraq.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggWe are concerned for the welfare of all Iraqis. We understand that the ICRC and the UNHCR are ready to take over responsibility for refugees in those parts of southern Iraq presently occupied by coalition forces. The UN Iraq/Kuwait observer mission is being deployed to the border. Our contribution of some £20 million to the UN Secretary-General's and other international appeals is for the humanitarian needs of all Iraqis. We are in touch with both the Kuwaiti and Saudi Governments about access for Iraqi refugees to their countries.