The following is an archived copy of a message sent to a Discussion List run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
Views expressed in this archived message are those of the author, not of the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq.
[Main archive index/search] [List information] [Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq Homepage]
There's more about Hain's remarks in today's (9th November 2000) Times and Financial Times (UK Criticism mars EU unity on Middle East Unity) - though I couldn't locate the latter on their web-site. Lettes to letters@the-times.co.uk and letters.edtor@ft.com resp. Gabriel. ______________________________________________________ The Times 9th November Hain apologises for calling Paris contemptible BY RICHARD BEESTON, DIPLOMATIC EDITOR PETER HAIN, the junior Foreign Office minister, was forced to make a humiliating apology to France yesterday after describing French policy on Iraq as “contemptible”. The fiery-tongued minister, who is responsible for Middle Eastern affairs, said: “These were unscripted remarks in answer to questions on flights and Iraqi sanctions. We value our co-operation with the French Government . . . and are working with the French to achieve a common position on the flights issue . . . This is essential if Iraq is to move forward by international agreement.” His remarks contrasted sharply with comments he made at the Royal Institute of International Affairs on Tuesday. Although Britain and the US still enforce a United Nations embargo and patrol no-fly zones over the country, the sanctions policy has unravelled in recent weeks. Britain was clearly upset by the arrival of a large French trade delegation and two French flights to Baghdad. “Frankly, French policy in Iraq has been pretty contemptible,” Mr Hain said. “It will put back a resolution of the crisis. I think that the French have absolutely no illusions that we do not welcome their dabbling in this matter.” In addition to being very undiplomatic, Mr Hain’s comments were also poorly timed, since Robin Cook, the Foreign Secretary, was in Paris yesterday for talks with his counterpart, Hubert Védrine. Mr Cook faced fierce questioning by the French parliamentary foreign affairs committee over Britain’s policy, but, to his undoubted relief, no mention of Mr Hain’s gaffe. Jean-Bernard Raimond called the embargo absurd and said it should be lifted, a sentiment widely echoed by the committee. Mr Cook made plain his determination to resist any such moves, saying: “If I thought that by hugging Saddam Hussein we could produce peace and friendship, then I would do it.” In his outburst Mr Hain also directed his criticism at friendly Arab states such as the United Arab Emirates, especially Dubai, which he accused of becoming a conduit for smuggled Iraqi oil. Nevertheless, the tirade is unlikely to have much effect. All of Iraq’s neighbours, apart from Kuwait, are building up trade with their former enemy. -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- This is a discussion list run by the Campaign Against Sanctions on Iraq For removal from list, email soc-casi-discuss-request@lists.cam.ac.uk Full details of CASI's various lists can be found on the CASI website: http://www.casi.org.uk