QUESTIONS IN WRITING
Iraq
(Question No. 4974)
Question

Mr McClelland (Barton)  asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs, in writing, on 7 December 2006:

(1)
Has the United States Government made representations to the Government of Iraq requesting that the latter agree to a timetable for the disbanding of militias; if so what was the Iraqi Government’s response.
(2)
Has Australia made similar representations; if so what response was received.
Answer

Mr Downer (Mayo—Minister for Foreign Affairs)—The answer to the honourable member’s question is as follows:

(1)
The United States Government has publicly stated its concerns about the impact of militias in Iraq and is in regular discussions with the Iraqi Government on a range of matters, including security.
(2)
The Australian Government has had ongoing discussions with, and has made representations to, the Iraqi Government on a range of matters, including security.