Seanad debates
Thursday, 6 February 2003
Iraq Crisis: Statements (Resumed).
I raised at every opportunity the importance of Iraq admitting UN human rights rapporteurs because of the obligations they have to meet under international human rights law. While we hope to reach a solution in a short period, it will have to be done in stages. The human rights issue is huge. Iraq is a one party state. That bonus payments are paid to party members is an example of dictatorship and abuse. There should be representation for the Kurdish population and a minority group such as the Marsh Arabs who were dealt with in a cruel manner by Saddam. As other speakers said, he must be removed. It is a question of how this should be done.
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