HC Deb 27 November 2000 vol 357 cc392-3W
Dr. Julian Lewis

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment he has made of the implications for UK sanctions against Iraq of recent French commercial dealings with the Iraqi regime. [140144]

Mr. Hain

Sanctions against Iraq, imposed by the UN in response to its illegal invasion and occupation of Kuwait in 1990. will remain in place until Iraq fulfils its obligations under UN Security Council resolutions. Under the UN "oil for food" programme, $16 billion will be available this year for food, medicine and infrastructure contracts. European (including French and UK) companies are participating in this legal trade, which benefits the Iraqi people.