Seanad debates

Wednesday, 2 April 2003

Humanitarian Crisis in Iraq: Statements.

 

10:30 am

Photo of Tom KittTom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I thank Senators for their contributions. I want the issue of the humanitarian situation in Iraq to remain on the political and public agendas. This debate has been helpful in that regard. I thank Senators for giving strong support to the work we are doing. We will continue to play a role in meeting the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people. As many Senators noted, this country is good at fulfilling this kind of role and our non-governmental organisations enjoy a tremendous reputation and have always been held in high regard.

Senators Maurice Hayes and Ross raised the important issue of the role of the Iraqi people in the reconstruction process. I agree they must be empowered and enabled to rebuild their own country. Our focus is firmly fixed on the important principle that the United Nations must be the central actor in this process.

Senators rightly raised the issue of access, which was also raised by NGOs during a meeting with me last week and at a recent meeting of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. Safe access and a safe environment are vital if NGOs and other agencies are to do their work properly. I will pursue this objective in all my contacts.

I share the view of Senators on the quality of the output of Irish journalists. The role of the media in this conflict is important and has been commented on extensively. I share the cynicism about the so-called embedded journalists. We have to be discerning about where the truth lies when watching some of their television reports.

We are all agreed on the need to look to the future in order to ensure the humanitarian effort is delivered in a neutral and impartial manner. We must also ensure the recovery process is designed taking into account all the lessons learned in places such as Afghanistan, East Timor and Kosovo. The Iraqi people must be central to the future of their country. I fully concur that Iraq cannot become an oil well for the West.

I have made my feelings known on the important issue of the militarisation of aid, which I discussed in my earlier contribution. It is the wrong tactic in every respect. I share the concerns expressed by Senator Tuffy about the recommencement of the Oil for Food Programme. As the programme was operated by more than 40,000 Iraqis, it will be very difficult to get the delivery system operational again during the ongoing conflict. The United Nations Secretary General believes the United Nations can make a difference in this respect and I hope it can. The Senator is correct to point out that this is not a simple issue.

The issues of the legality of the war and the use of Shannon Airport have been well rehearsed and debated and are unlikely to disappear. However, Senators have recognised that I have a special responsibility for development co-operation and my role is to accept the reality that the war is now raging and focus my energies on the humanitarian needs of the Iraqi people.

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