The crisis in Iraq

Council of Europe parliamentarians call for an end to the hostilities in Iraq
	In a resolution adopted on 3 April 2003, the Assembly condemned the military intervention in Iraq, which, in its view, was unlawful and contrary to the principles of international law, and asked the governments of the states involved to put an immediate end to the hostilities. It expressed its concern that the war may undermine international cohesion against terrorism, strengthen radical groups and further destabilise the Middle East. (more…)	Resolution 1326 and Recommendation 1603 Videos record of the debates Record 1 Record 2 Text of the report
Walter Schwimmer press conference : We should start thinking about the post-war situation in Iraq
	At a press conference in Strasbourg, the Secretary General suggested that we should start thinking about the post-war situation in Iraq while reiterating his regrets that diplomacy had been abandoned in favour of armed intervention.“Sustained efforts will be needed, based on multilateralism and compliance with international law”, he added.		Press Conference by Walter Schwimmer Video record of the press conference
Peter Schieder : ''We want action − but we want it to be taken in accordance with international law''
	Peter Schieder announced that the Assembly would be holding an urgent debate on Iraq on Thursday. Emphasising that the Assembly's previous appeals had been ignored, the President pointed out that the ''collateral damage'' of this war was not limited to the civilian population of Iraq, but also affected the foundations of the system of collective security, which was based on international law. ''The rule of law must not give way to the rule of the mightiest'', said the President.		Full speech Speaking notes for the press conference Video record of the press conference
Information documents
Resolution 1326 (2003) Europe and the war in Iraq Recommendation 1603 (2003) Europe and the war in Iraq Debate under urgent procedure: Europe and the crisis in Iraq (Doc. 9768) Resolution 1316 (2003) Irak Resolution 1302 (2002) Threat of military action against Iraq Recommendations of the Parliamentary Assembly
Press Releases
Council of Europe parliamentarians call for an end to the hostilities in Iraq [03/04/03] Parliamentary Assembly: urgent debate on Europe and the war in Iraq [02/04/03] Parliamentary Assembly is due to debate Iraq during its Spring session [24/03/03] Parliamentary Assembly holds urgent debate on Iraq [29/01/03] Parliamentary Assembly President condemns unilateral use of force against Iraq [20/03/03] Iraq war: Council of Europe Secretary General calls for protection of civilians and respect for humanitarian law [20/03/03] Peter Schieder: Declaration on Iraq [06/02/03] Parliamentary Assembly : "The use of force against Iraq in the present circumstances is not justified" [30/01/03] Peter Schieder: "We are not divided on Iraq" [23/01/03] Parliamentary Assembly : Urgent debate on the threat of military action against Iraq [25/09/02]
Useful links
United Nations special file on the situation in Iraq Resolution 1441 of the United Nations