Iraq: Security Council Resolutions

HL Deb 27 November 1997 vol 583 c128WA

Lord Kennet

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that existing United Nations Security Council resolutions permit military action against Iraq without further authority from the Security Council; if so, which resolution or resolutions permit this; and whether their view is shared by the other members of the Security Council.

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

Iraq has agreed to allow all UNSCOM weapons inspectors to return to Iraq. We hope that they will resume their vital work immediately. It is not sensible to speculate on the circumstances in which military action would be appropriate. If Iraq reverted to the obstruction witnessed over recent weeks, this would be a clear breach of its obligations under Security Council resolutions. The legal justification for the use of force would have to be considered in the light of circumstances at the time.