§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has had from Arab countries about the humanitarian situation in the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates and the desirability of a Government initiative to lift sanctions on Iraq at the United Nations. [4710]
§ Mr. HanleyWe share the concerns of Arab countries at the humanitarian situation in Iraq and at Saddam Hussein's indifference to the suffering of the Iraqi people. Sanctions cannot be relaxed while Saddam Hussein continues to refuse to comply with Iraq' s obligations under the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. The UK co-sponsored Security Council resolution 986 to help alleviate the suffering in Iraq caused by Saddam Hussein's policies. We look forward to early implementation following the delay caused by Iraqi obstruction.