§ Lord Monsonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they can confirm press reports that the Iraqi army and air force have launched unprovoked attacks upon unarmed Shia civilians who had taken refuge in the marshes of south-eastern Iraq; and, if so, what action they propose to take in conjunction with our allies.
The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (The Earl of Caithness)We cannot confirm reports of systematic military action by the Iraqi authorities against the Shia refugees in the southern marshes.