The Report
of the Iraq Inquiry
personnel
to Iraq and enable the United Nations to continue its vital role in
assisting
the Iraqis
in election preparations.”
1030.
Sir Emyr Jones
Parry said:
“… the last
three months had seen many challenges, including attempts to
deny
Iraqis the
opportunity to rebuild their country. Despite the difficult
circumstances on
the ground
… much had been, and was being, achieved. Already, 11 ministries
had
been
transferred to Iraqi control, and others would be transferred on
the path to the
restoration
of full Iraqi sovereignty.
“… over the
next few weeks, the Security Council would continue to work for a
new
resolution
on Iraq, including the establishment of a sovereign Government of
Iraq.”
1031.
On 19 May, the
FCO Iraq Directorate wrote a paper entitled ‘Iraq: The
Medium
Term’,
attached to which were key messages and facts for use by Cabinet
Ministers.580
Mr Straw’s
Private Secretary sent it to the Private Secretaries of all members
of the
Cabinet as
an “information note”.
1032.
In the note,
the UK’s strategic objective in Iraq was defined as “a
democratic,
stable and
prosperous Iraq, that poses no threat to its
neighbours”.
1033.
Under the
heading “Strategy” the Iraq Directorate listed what was needed
to
overcome
the obstacles to achieving the strategic objectives:
•
establishing
the right security architecture after 30 June;
•
Iraqiisation
of the security forces;
•
a “more
flexible approach towards co-operation with existing
militias”;
•
minimising
the profile of Coalition Forces;
•
ensuring “a
sensible and sensitive US approach to military
operations”;
•
possible UK
reinforcement in southern Iraq;
•
maintaining
pressure on Iraq’s neighbours regarding border security;
and
•
continued
consultation with Coalition partners.
1034.
On the
political process, the Iraq Directorate recommended:
•
continuing
to support Mr Brahimi in establishing a fully sovereign Iraqi
Interim
Government;
•
ensuring
successful negotiation of a UN Security Council
resolution;
•
ensuring a
constructive international conference later in 2004;
and
•
supporting
the UN to prepare for elections in January 2005.
580
Letter Owen
to Quarrey, 19 May 2004, ‘Iraq: The Medium Term’ attaching Note
Iraq Directorate,
19 May
2004, ‘Iraq: The Medium Term’.
376