HC Deb 03 March 2003 vol 400 cc846-7W
Jeremy Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what guarantees of autonomy have been offered to the Kurdish parties in Northern Iraq after any US-led invasion has taken place; [100280]

(2) what guarantees have been given by the Government of Turkey that they will respect the Kurdish autonomous region of Iraq following any US-led invasion. [100279]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

I am not aware of any guarantees given to the Kurdish administrations in Northern Iraq by Turkey. But the UK is committed to the maintenance of Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its current borders. The only secure long-term future for the Kurds and other minority groups in Northern Iraq is as part of a stable, peaceful Iraq, which gives them a negotiated degree of autonomy.

Jeremy Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held with the Government of Iran concerning their approach to the Kurdish autonomous region of Northern Iraq; and if he will make a statement. [100281]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

We regularly discuss Iraq policy with out Iranian counterparts. Like the UK, the Iranians tell us that Iran is committed to the maintenance of Iraq's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its current borders. The only secure long-term future for the Kurds and other minority groups in Northern Iraq is as part of a stable, peaceful Iraq, which gives them a negotiated degree of autonomy.

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