§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their latest information on the number, whereabouts and well-being of Kuwaiti prisoners of war in Iraq; and what further international initiatives they have taken or supported for their release. [HL4750]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalHer Majesty's Government are extremely concerned that the whereabouts of the 605 Kuwaitis and other nationals missing since the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait remains unknown. The UK plays an active role in the Tripartite Commission process, chaired by the 175WA International Committee of the Red Cross, which seeks to resolve these cases. That process has, however, been hampered by continued Iraqi obstruction. Iraq currently refuses to attend commission meetings. At a consultation meeting of the other commission members on 31 October, the UK called on Iraq to return to the process and restated our commitment to support the commission's work. We have also discussed this issue with the Foreign Minister of Kuwait, and others, over recent weeks.