§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister what discussions he has had with the Russian Prime Minister about his statement concerning the bombardment of Iraq. [65387]
§ The Prime Minister[holding answer 14 January 1999]: I sent a message to Prime Minister Primakov explaining our policy on Iraq. My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary was in close touch with his Russian counterpart during and after operation Desert Fox. We are now working with the Russians and other Security Council members to find a way forward.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister if he will seek to hold discussions with the Government of Iran about the consequences of military action against Iraq for the strength of the position of Saddam Hussein. [66465]
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary was in contact with his Iranian counterpart during Operation Desert Fox. Bilateral discussions continue at official level.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister when he will reply to the letter from the Religious Society of Friends in Britain of 17 December concerning military action against Iraq. [65473]
§ The Prime MinisterMy Office has no record of having received this letter.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister for what reasons he agreed to the decision to act quickly against Iraq before the period of Ramadan. [65389]
§ The Prime MinisterI told the House on 16 November 1998,official report, columns 607–23, that I would have no hesitation in ordering the use of force once again if Iraq failed to live up to its undertaking to afford UN weapons inspectors full co-operation in every respect. The 343W Executive Chairman of UNSCOM was asked to report on Iraq's co-operation over the month that followed. He delivered his report on 15 December 1998 and its conclusions were unequivocal. Iraq had failed to co-operate fully with UNSCOM and had even introduced new restrictions. My decision to authorise military action was taken on that basis.
§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Prime Minister when he was consulted by the United States about its decision to bomb Iraq. [65390]
§ The Prime MinisterWe were in close contact with the Americans on all aspects of policy towards Iraq, before, during and after military action. The decision to launch Operation Desert Fox was a joint one.