January 30, 2003
Motions for Resolutions on the Situation in Iraq
Parliament adopted a joint resolution on the situation in Iraq with 287 votes in favour, 209 against and 26 abstentions. Parliament reaffirmed its commitment to peace, democracy and respect for human rights and international law and reiterates the need for full application of and compliance with United Nations Security Council resolutions in order to guarantee international peace and security. MEPs state that they fully supports the work of Mr Hans Blix, and Mr El Baradei, and their team of inspectors in charge of the UN enhanced inspection regime as stipulated in UNSCR 1441. MEPs believe that breaches of UNSCR 1441 currently identified by the inspectors with regard to weapons of mass destruction do not justify military action and considers that any further steps must be taken by the Security Council after a full assessment of the situation. Parliament expresses its opposition to any unilateral military action and believes that a pre-emptive strike would not be in accordance with international law and the UN Charter and would lead to a deeper crisis involving other countries in the region; stresses that everything must be done to avoid military action. Furthermore, Parliament urges the Council and the Member States to take the initiative in proposing that the International Criminal Court should investigate the responsibility of the Iraqi leader's regime for the genocide against the Marsh Arabs and other crimes of war and crimes against humanity.
MEPs call on the Iraqi Government to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1441 and continue to allow UNMOVIC inspections, unconditionally and with unimpeded access, and to cooperate fully and respond to the remarks made by the Head of UNMOVIC in its report. MEPs call, furthermore, for all available pertinent information, from all sources, to be forwarded without delay to UNMOVIC. MEPs call for all political and diplomatic avenues to be explored in order to secure a peaceful settlement to the conflict and stresses the necessity of securing and preserving peace and international security. Finally, the House stresses the European Union's commitment to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq, Kuwait and neighbouring countries.
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