HL Deb 08 April 2003 vol 647 cc33-4WA
Lord Moynihan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will place a resolution before the United Nations Security Council to ensure United Nations support for a strategy for the postwar reconstruction of Iraq, when appropriate. [HL2294]

The Minister for Trade (Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean)

We will seek new UN Security Council resolutions to affirm Iraq's integrity to ensure a rapid delivery of humanitarian relief and endorse an appropriate post-conflict administration for Iraq.

The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will support a United States-led administration in post-war Iraq; whether they would participate in such an administration; on what experience an administration would be based; and how they envisage the timetable for reconstruction, based on a United Nations resolution. [HL2321]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

In the days immediately following the cessation of military activity, a US-led military coalition will provide security. The United States Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance (ORHA), headed by General Jay Garner (Rtd), will co-ordinate civil relief and humanitarian asistance. UK personnel will be attached to ORHA.

We aim to ensure UN endorsement, of and involvement in, post-Saddam administration of Iraq in order to secure the widest possible international support to rebuild Iraq as soon as possible. We are also discussing with partners the possibility of a UN Special Representative for Iraq.

A UN Security Council Resolution allowing the current Oil for Food programme to continue has now been unanimously passed. We will also seek new UN resolutions to affirm Iraq's territorial integrity, ensure rapid delivery of humanitarian relief and endorse an appropriate post-conflict administration for Iraq. We want to see Iraqis running their own affairs as soon as possible.