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27/11/2009
'Questionable Legitimacy' Of Iraq
The American and UK invasion of Iraq was of "questionable legitimacy", the inquiry into the war heard today.
Former UK ambassador to the United Nations, Sir Jeremy Greenstock conceded, however, the illegality is unlikely to ever be proved.
Appearing before the inquiry panel, headed by Sir John Chilcot, Sir Jeremy said the invasion had little support among UN members and the wider British public.
He suggested the US and UK administrations had "established" the war's legality, given it has never been challenged.
The Iraq Inquiry is currently establishing the events that led to the 2003 invasion of the region and subsequent toppling of regime leader Saddam Hussein.
Sir Jeremy sat in the UN while the UK government attempted to push through a second resolution to sanction action against Iraq.
Both France and Russia vetoed the bill, giving rise to the accusation the war was illegal.
But according to Sir Jeremy, the existing resolution provided "sufficient legal cover".
This was dependent on Iraq being in breach of its disarmament obligations.
The legal merits of the invasion were unlikely to ever be "final and conclusive", Sir Jeremy said.
But he added: "If you do something internationally that the majority of UN member states think is wrong, illegitimate or politically unjustifiable, you are taking a risk in my view.
"There was a failure to establish legitimacy although I think we successfully established legality in the UN....to the degree, at least, that we were never challenged in the UN or International Court of Justice for those actions."
He said the "whole saga" over UK policy, was influenced by the belief that Iraq did have weapons of mass destruction.
Sir Jeremy suggested that throughout the UN situation the UK government believed confronting Iraq was in the national interest.
The inquiry continues.
(PR/KMcA)
Former UK ambassador to the United Nations, Sir Jeremy Greenstock conceded, however, the illegality is unlikely to ever be proved.
Appearing before the inquiry panel, headed by Sir John Chilcot, Sir Jeremy said the invasion had little support among UN members and the wider British public.
He suggested the US and UK administrations had "established" the war's legality, given it has never been challenged.
The Iraq Inquiry is currently establishing the events that led to the 2003 invasion of the region and subsequent toppling of regime leader Saddam Hussein.
Sir Jeremy sat in the UN while the UK government attempted to push through a second resolution to sanction action against Iraq.
Both France and Russia vetoed the bill, giving rise to the accusation the war was illegal.
But according to Sir Jeremy, the existing resolution provided "sufficient legal cover".
This was dependent on Iraq being in breach of its disarmament obligations.
The legal merits of the invasion were unlikely to ever be "final and conclusive", Sir Jeremy said.
But he added: "If you do something internationally that the majority of UN member states think is wrong, illegitimate or politically unjustifiable, you are taking a risk in my view.
"There was a failure to establish legitimacy although I think we successfully established legality in the UN....to the degree, at least, that we were never challenged in the UN or International Court of Justice for those actions."
He said the "whole saga" over UK policy, was influenced by the belief that Iraq did have weapons of mass destruction.
Sir Jeremy suggested that throughout the UN situation the UK government believed confronting Iraq was in the national interest.
The inquiry continues.
(PR/KMcA)
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21 January 2011
Blair Testifies At Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair has been called for a second time to give evidence in the Iraq Inquiry. Earlier this year, the former Prime Minister defended his decision to go to war, saying that Saddam Hussein was a "monster" before stating that he had no regrets. However, the inquiry have requested "more detail" in some areas.
Blair Testifies At Iraq Inquiry
Tony Blair has been called for a second time to give evidence in the Iraq Inquiry. Earlier this year, the former Prime Minister defended his decision to go to war, saying that Saddam Hussein was a "monster" before stating that he had no regrets. However, the inquiry have requested "more detail" in some areas.
23 February 2010
Brown Iraq Inquiry Date Set
The Prime Minister will give evidence to the Iraq Inquiry next Friday, it has been confirmed. Gordon Brown's appearance on 5 March will be followed by International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander. Foreign Secretary David Miliband will face questions from the panel chaired by Sir John Chilcot on 8 March.
Brown Iraq Inquiry Date Set
The Prime Minister will give evidence to the Iraq Inquiry next Friday, it has been confirmed. Gordon Brown's appearance on 5 March will be followed by International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander. Foreign Secretary David Miliband will face questions from the panel chaired by Sir John Chilcot on 8 March.
20 January 2010
PM Will Face Iraq Inquiry 'Any Time'
Gordon Brown today insisted he is 'happy' to appear before the Iraq inquiry prior to the General Election. The Prime minister has written to the panel, chaired by Sir John Chilcot, to assure them he would appear "at any time".
PM Will Face Iraq Inquiry 'Any Time'
Gordon Brown today insisted he is 'happy' to appear before the Iraq inquiry prior to the General Election. The Prime minister has written to the panel, chaired by Sir John Chilcot, to assure them he would appear "at any time".
19 July 2004
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
British soldier dies in Basrah helicopter crash
A British soldier has died after an RAF helicopter crashed in southern Iraq today. The MoD confirmed that the soldier was killed in "an accident" involving an RAF Puma helicopter at Basrah International Airport. Two other British military personnel were injured during the incident.
24 November 2009
Iraqi Regime 'Wasn't UK Policy'
Removing Saddam Hussein from power was not perceived as a top priority for British diplomats in 2001, despite concerns over the threat he posed. Former intelligence boss Sir Peter Ricketts said no-one within the UK Government at the time was "promoting support" for a regime change in Iraq.
Iraqi Regime 'Wasn't UK Policy'
Removing Saddam Hussein from power was not perceived as a top priority for British diplomats in 2001, despite concerns over the threat he posed. Former intelligence boss Sir Peter Ricketts said no-one within the UK Government at the time was "promoting support" for a regime change in Iraq.
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