§ Lord Joplingasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean on 12 May (WA 151), on what dates over the last six months approaches have been made to the Governments of Syria, Jordan and Turkey about alleged breaches of the United Nations 110WA sanctions regime on Iraq; and what responses were received in each case. [HL2911]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe have made a number of formal and informal approaches with a range of contacts in Syria, Jordan and Turkey over the last six months. It would be disproportionately costly to research the dates and exact substance of these contacts. But invariably the governments concerned have affirmed their respect for the UN sanctions regime and their commitment to their obligation, as member states, to enforce it. We have also included further provisions in the draft UK/Netherlands Security Council resolution on this issue: it provides for the illegal oil trade with Turkey to be brought within the UN "oil for food" arrangements, thereby ensuring that money earned by Iraq from this trade will be spent on humanitarian goods; and it also suggests consideration that other additional oil export outlets be authorised so that all Iraqi oil exports can be brought within "oil for food".