Activites

• 2004/02/13 Final act published in Official Journal
• #2527
• 2003/09/29 Council Meeting
• 2003/01/30 Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
  • T5-0032/2003 summary

    The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the current situation in Iraq. It stressed its commitment to observing human rights and international law as well as its support Hans Blix and the team of inspectors in charge of the UN enhanced inspection regime as stipulated in UNSCR 1441. Parliament did not, however, feel that the breaches of UNSCR 1441 currently identified by the inspectors with regard to weapons of mass destruction justify military action and stated its opposition to unilateral military action. A pre-emptive strike would not be in accordance with international law and would lead to a deeper crisis involving other countries in the region. Any further steps must be taken by the Security Council after a full assessment of the situation. The Iraqi Government must comply with UN Security Council Resolution 1441 and continue to allow UNMOVIC inspections, unconditionally and with unimpeded access. Parliament urged the Council to reach a common position on Iraq within the framework of the CFSP so that the EU can speak with a single voice on the international stage on the current situation and future development of this conflict. The applicant countries should to fall into line with a European common position. Parliament went on to ask the UN to verify the effects of the embargo, notably the adverse impact on the humanitarian situation of Iraqi civilians, particularly women and children, so that, if required, it would be possible to define the steps towards the lifting of the embargo. On the war in the Middle East, Parliament stated unequivocally that it must be made clear to the US Administration that a solution to the Middle East conflict is the EU's top priority. The implementation of the road map endorsed by the Quartet (EU, US, UN and Russia) could not be delayed any longer. Finally, the European Parliament urged Member States to propose 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.�

Documents

• Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading: T5-0032/2003

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)