It is a matter of deep regret for the Government that the people of Iraq have suffered such terrible hardship as a result of their Government's deliberate and persistent violation of successive UN Security Council resolutions aimed at preserving international peace and security. In every way open to it, Ireland has worked to ensure UN sanctions are administered in such a way as to ensure the humanitarian and long-term economic interests of the people of Iraq are secured, while ensuring the necessary controls are in place to prevent Iraq from developing weapons of mass destruction.