§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they have given permission to the United States to make use of Diego Garcia in connection with an attack on Iraq; and whether this permission is conditional on United Nations Security Council approval of such attack.
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanIraq has unconditionally agreed to allow UNSCOM weapons inspectors to return and resume their vital work. It is not sensible to speculate on military action at this stage.
§ Lord Kennetasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the text of the draft resolution which the British Government sought and failed to introduce into the Security Council in September 1996, which appears to have borne on the use of the British territory of Diego Garcia in connection with US attacks on Iraq.
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanThe draft resolution referred to by the noble Lord expressed concern at Iraqi activity against its minorities, especially the Iraqi Kurds. It had no relevance to Diego Garcia.