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Putney
MP Quizzes Clare Short on Humanitarian Planning for Iraq
Tony
Colman, the MP for Putney, today asked the Secretary of State
for International Development what planning was underway to
prepare for the humanitarian consequences of a possible war
against Iraq.
The
specially called investigation allowed members of the International
Development Select Committee to ask Clare Short and her officials
how prepared the UK, the UN agencies, and the international
community in general are to deal with a possible humanitarian
crisis in Iraq.
Following
questions regarding possible refugee movements and food distribution
in a conflict situation Tony Colman asked the Secretary of
State whether her department's assessment of essential infrastructure
such as hospitals, electricity and sewerage systems had been
brought to the attention of the Ministry of Defence as it
looks at possible military targets.
Clare
Short assured the committee that representations were being
made to the MOD in order to assist them avoid civilian targets
and minimize the humanitarian impact of any military action.
She added that these representations were being listened to
and taken on board by the British Military.
The
Select Committee investigation took evidence from the Secretary
of State and NGOs in the region in order to ensure planning
for the worst case scenario is taking place.
Tony
Colman explained:
"We
have been calling for an investigation into humanitarian scenarios
for Iraq for some time. We have to plan for all scenarios
and it is clear that the Department for International development
and the UN agencies are now doing so."
Clare
Short said she welcomed the opportunity to make public that
planning to assist the civilian victims of any military action
is underway. She also emphasised that a third UN resolution
specifically on interim governance and humanitarian assistance
for the people of Iraq would assist coordination of humanitarian
operations whether a second resolution was passed or not.
On
this and any other issues I am always keen to hear the views
of Putney constituents. Please feel free to contact me via
www.tonycolman.org.uk
or by writing to me at the House of Commons.
13th
February 2003
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