Brussels, 29/01/2003 (Agence Europe) - The debate on the Iraqi crisis, held on Tuesday afternoon at the European Parliament, was marked by almost unanimous support for continued inspections and for a peaceful solution to be found within the framework of the United Nations. A resolution is to be adopted on Wednesday.
The High Representative for CFSP, Javier Solana, insisted on Europe's active involvement in the fight against proliferation, while many MEPs waved "No War" banners. "Inspectors need time, means and information. The international community must provide them with this", Mr Solana said. He insisted on the need to remain within the framework of the United Nations and to "ensure that Resolution 1441 allows Saddam Hussein's disarmament without resorting to force". "European citizens are clearly saying two things: they do not want a war and do not want dictators in the world. We must make those two things compatible", he added. Mr Solana then commented on Israeli elections noting that the turnout was the lowest since 1967. He congratulated Mr Sharon on his victory and encouraged him to form a coalition government with the real intention of putting an end to the war. As soon as the government is formed, it will be necessary to ensure the Quartet's roadmap becomes a reality, he added.
Commissioner Chris Patten noted that, today, we are confronted by proliferation in three regions: Kashmir, the Korean Peninsula and the Gulf. Our approach, he said, must come under the moral and legal authority of the United Nations.
After having mentioned the "repressive and brutal nature of Saddam Hussein's regime" (he referred to the report by Emma Nicholson on the marsh Arabs) and re-affirmed that resolution 1441 was a last chance and that it had to be applied because the UN's credibility was at stake. He stated that "Any sensible persons would want a peaceful resolution to the conflict…it would be good for the UN, for Iraq, the region and indeed excellent for the world".
The German President of the EPP-ED group, Hans Gert Pöttering (CDU) welcomed the position adopted on Monday by the Council of the EU and stressed that Iraq was led by a "tyrant guilty of genocide" and that they should "work for a peaceful resolution" while insisting on the need for active cooperation by the Iraqi regime". He also explained that Europe had to choose between a middle way between support for US policy and impunity for Saddam Hussein. Mr Pöttering also asserted that if they have information, the USA should reveal it. Enrique Baron, Spanish President of the Socialist group explained that, "We are for a clear policy of pressure…against a preventive attack…which would have devastating effects on the Middle East". He also stated that they supported continued inspections for two months as requested by Mr El Baradei. He told Mr Solana that as well as congratulating Mr Sharon he should call on him to "stop distrusting Europe and tae into account our desire for peace and cooperation". The British President of the ELDR group, Graham Watson stated that the Liberals were insisting that "the inspectors were authorised to continue their work", as well as stressing that Iraq should cooperate. Mr. Blix has to report on 14 February and little time remains before the verdict of the international community. "War must be a solution of last resort", he said, calling on Saddam Hussein to be taken before the International Criminal Court due to the genocide perpetrated against the Marsh Arabs. Mr. Watson also warned MEPs ready to go to Iraq against the risk of being manipulated. The French President of the GUE/NGL Group, Francis Wurtz strongly criticised the "most bellicose administration in American history", and sent out a warning against "rendering war banal". He spoke in favour of pursuing the inspections and for the prohibition of weapons of mass destruction throughout the world. He said that thirty MEPs will go to Baghdad next week. The co-President of the Green/EFA Group, Daniel Cohn- Bendit hoped that the presence of American and British forces around Iraq, who cannot move, would give time for diplomatic action. "We have a year. Let's settle the Israeli-Palestinian problem and you'll see that all the Arab masses will be able to applaud us in settling Saddam Hussein's score", he thundered. While stressing that war was the ultimate resort, Portugal's Luis Quiero, speaking on behalf of the UEN Group, said that the international community had to remain firm. Affirming that, due to the number of Saddam's victims, "one should not speak of war but of liberation", Bastiaan Belder Dutch member of the EDD, said that prolonging inspections served no purpose.