§ Mr. FitzpatrickTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what account Her Majesty's Government will take of US Government policy in determining their policy towards(a) lifting and (b) amending UN sanctions against Iraq. [31763]
§ Mr. FatchettThe criteria for lifting sanctions are set out in paragraphs 21 and 22 of United Nations Security Council Resolution 687; they relate to the policies and practices of the Government of Iraq and implementation of the Security Council Resolutions. The Security Council cannot consider lifting sanctions until the Government of Iraq have shown themselves willing to meet those criteria.
We do not wish to see sanctions maintained for any longer than is necessary. We have welcome the recent Memorandum of Understanding between the United Nations and the Government of Iraq. In it, the Government of Iraq reconfirm their acceptance of all relevant UN resolutions and undertake to co-operate fully with UNSCOM and the IAEA. When the Government of Iraq comply with the relevant Security Council Resolutions, sanctions can be relaxed.
§ Mr. FitzpatrickTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what criteria govern the(a) lifting and (b) amending of United Nations sanctions imposed against Iraq; and what factors will influence the timing of such action. [31760]
§ Mr. FatchettI refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave today to his question 31763.
United States policy on sanctions is a matter for the US Government.