Mr President, Mr Solana and Mr Kinnock, it is very good that we are having this debate. It is a very complex issue, and developments are taking place so quickly that the situation is changing almost from one day to the next. This means that any resolution becomes obsolete extremely quickly. The Group of the European Liberal, Democrat and Reform Party really appreciates the efforts you are making, Mr Solana, towards uniting the EU around a single policy. The Greek Presidency shares this ambition. It is no easy task. At the same time, it is very clear that the EU is not united. In all facets of the Iraq issue we have heard differing views from different capital cities. I dare say that it has never before been so evident that the EU has failed in developing a common foreign and security policy. For all the fine words and the rhetoric, we stand empty-handed; which is terribly tragic. It might be possible to compensate for this if we start now to make attempts to reach agreement on a strategy for what we want to see happening after Saddam Hussein, whether or not there is a war. What should be done with Saddam Hussein? What role should the EU play in the reconstruction process? How could peace, freedom, democracy and human rights be guaranteed for the people of Iraq, who have suffered for so long? How is the EU to help in improving the humanitarian situation, and how prepared are we to help the neighbouring countries with the refugees who are already pouring out of Iraq? It goes without saying that we all hope that a war can be avoided. It is obvious that the inspectors, under the leadership of Hans Blix and Mohamed ElBaradei, need more time. Iraq and Saddam Hussein are playing games with us; one cannot help feeling that they have something to hide. Iraq must pull itself together. It is Iraq’s own responsibility, not that of the UN, to prove that there are no weapons of mass destruction in the country. The question of war or peace lies in Iraq’s own hands. Our view is that the inspectors need more time, a view expressed by many others here. When they report to the Security Council again in a few weeks’ time, it will be the UN Security Council that will take decisions on what is to happen next. Any decisions on a military strike, which might unfortunately be necessary, must be taken by the UN. A unilateral US strike would be extremely unfortunate, not only with regard to its consequences for the region, but also because it would harm transatlantic relations a very, very long way into the future. Lastly, I must express my regret that individual MEPs are going to Baghdad on their own initiative. I am convinced that they are doing so with good intentions, but this will be exploited by the Iraqi dictator to reinforce the image of disharmony in the international community. Those who go there cannot influence Saddam Hussein: he has not shown himself to be open to argument. Instead, they run the risk of becoming his hostages and getting in the way of the work of the inspectors. It is of course up to individuals whether or not they decide to travel, but the European Parliament is in danger of looking extremely ridiculous on the international stage. I would advise strongly against making this journey.

Political group: ELDR