Iraq (Hansard, 27 January 2004)

§ 5. Laura Moffatt
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what progress is being made towards democratic elections in Iraq. [150691]

§ Mr. Straw
We are committed to the establishment of a democratic Iraq. On 15 November 2003, the Iraqi Governing Council announced a process for achieving this. This envisages the creation of a sovereign transitional government by 30 June 2004, the holding of direct elections to a Constitutional Convention by March 2005, and, following approval of the constitution, the holding of full democratic elections by the end of 2005. The UN Secretary-General has agreed to consider sending a technical team to Iraq to examine the feasibility of holding elections to the Transitional National Assembly, a move which we welcome.
A committee of the Governing Council drafted the Statute for the Special Tribunal with assistance from, among others, the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) Office of Human rights and Transitional Justice. The UK provided comments on the Statute through the UK Special Representative for Iraq's office and the CPA Office of Human Rights and Transitional Justice. Our comments and advice were focused mainly on the application of international law and the scope of the Tribunal. This drew on the experience of our involvement in other Tribunals including the ICTY, ICTR and Sierra Leone. The UK is considering requests for further assistance.

§ Mr. Challen
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total value is of(a) contracts so far issued to British companies working on the reconstruction of Iraq and (b) contracts expected to be issued in the next six months. [150608]

§ Mr. Mike O'Brien
British companies have won significant sub-contracts for the reconstruction process in Iraq. However, most of the contracting authorities in Iraq do not publish information on contracts awarded, and companies arc not required to notify HMG of contracts won. I am unable to give a total value for contracts awarded to UK companies.
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The Program Management Office of the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) will run an open tender process; a number of UK companies are bidding. Subcontracting opportunities are also likely to arise from this process.

§ Mr. Hancock
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has(a) to second (i) electoral registration officers and (ii) other officials and (b) to provide resources to enable the Iraqi Governing Council to facilitate free and fair elections; and if he will make a statement. [150216]

§ Mr. Rammell
At a meeting in New York on 19 January between the Iraqi Governing Council and the coalition, Kofi Annan undertook to consider sending a UN technical team to Iraq to look into the feasibility of holding elections. Once we have seen their recommendations, we will consider any requests for assistance.