92002E2905

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2905/02

by Camilo Nogueira Román (Verts/ALE) to the Council

(16 October 2002)

Subject: US/UK pre-emptive strike against Iraq

In contravention of the standards of international law as embodied by the UN and the founding principles of international relations, and in circumstances in which the dictatorial nature of the existing regime in Iraq cannot serve as an excuse, George Bush has now announced that there will be a pre-emptive strike against Iraq by the US and the UK. This action is particularly disturbing considering that it is based on a quite explicitly imperialist view of the world which claims that the US has the self-conferred right to fight pre-emptive wars against anyone who disputes that country's global supremacy.

What is the EU's position on these imperialist war plans? What action will it take to stop them being carried out and ensure respect for international law? What action has it taken on the attitude of the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, a country which is a Member State of the European Union?

Reply

(3 March 2003)

The Council considers that Iraq must comply with the United Nations resolutions relating to it, particularly those regarding weapons of mass destruction. It has always come out in favour of action in the framework of the United Nations and in compliance with international law. In this context, it greatly welcomed the United States' decision to work with its partners in this framework. It was therefore with great satisfaction that the Council noted the unanimous adoption of resolution 1441 on Iraq by the United Nations Security Council on 8 November 2002.

Iraq must now cooperate fully with the United Nations and discharge its obligations arising from the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.