3.2 |
Development of UK strategy and options, January to April 2002 –
“axis of evil” to Crawford
631.
In response,
Mr Blair stated:
•
“The time
for military action has not yet arisen. However, there is no doubt
at
all that
the development of weapons of mass destruction by Saddam
Hussein
poses a
severe threat not just to the region, but to the wider world … [I]n
my first
statement
to the House … after 11 September, I made it clear that the issue
of
weapons of
mass destruction had to be, and should be, dealt with. How we
deal
with it
will be a matter for consultation and deliberation in the normal
way. After
11
September, we proceeded in a calm and sensible way, and we shall do
so
again, but
we must confront the issue of weapons of mass
destruction.”
•
“… there is
no doubt at all that the region would be a better place
without
Saddam
Hussein … the Iraqi people would rejoice most at Saddam
Hussein
leaving
office … that regime has a particular record: the Iran-Iraq war …
the
annexation
of Kuwait … and perhaps the most appalling act of all, the use
of
chemical
weapons on the Kurdish people … However, the method of
achieving
that is …
open to consultation and deliberation. When the judgements are
made,
I have no
doubt at all that this House – indeed, the whole country – will
want to
debate the
issue thoroughly.”
•
“… The key
issue is that this is not something that has suddenly arisen
…
Before 11
September, a whole series of negotiations took place about
potential
new United
Nations Security Council resolutions to put in place a
better
sanctions
regime, and about how we try to ensure that weapons inspectors
get
back inside
Iraq. The reason why the Security Council resolutions that
were
originally
proposed and passed demand that weapons inspections take place
…
is
precisely that the threat of weapons of mass destruction is real
and present.”
•
“The issue
is quite clear … Saddam Hussein has a very clear message from
the
international
community: the weapons inspectors should go back in –
anyone,
any place,
any time … Simply turning our backs on the issue of weapons
of
mass
destruction is not an option. That is why I think it so important
that we
stand with
the United States in saying this issue is one that has to be, and
will
be,
confronted. We will do so in a sensible and measured way, but we
cannot
allow a
state of this nature to develop those weapons without let or
hindrance.”
632.
Asked by Mr
George Howarth (Labour) for an assurance that, before any
military
action
which might become necessary was contemplated, Saddam Hussein would
be
“given
every opportunity to comply with” the Security Council’s
resolutions, Mr Blair
replied
that Saddam Hussein was:
“… in
defiance of the resolutions … However, he has the opportunity to
comply now.
He is not
in any doubt about what is necessary. The United Nations
resolutions are
clear;
there are nine and he is in breach of every one. The international
community’s
position is
also clear. Whatever people think about the action that will
follow, he must
comply with
the resolutions.”
503