Seanad debates

Wednesday, 2 April 2003

Humanitarian Crisis in Iraq: Statements.

 

What should we do now regarding Iraq? The greatest role we can play is in the area of humanitarian aid. Some of the examples highlighted by previous speakers are correct, including the fact that the UN has to take a major role in this matter. I fully endorse the Minister of State's commitment to having NGOs involved in relief operations. It should not be the role of a military force to do so, but in the early days of the conflict there has been no alternative. We have to get food in there and that is being done initially by the military force. However, the UN and the NGOs will have to, as far as is possible, become involved. The Government must fully support every effort to bring that about. From day one of the conflict, we ensured that we would have an active role in the relief effort.

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