To ask the Prime Minister for what reasons the request by Mr. Tariq Aziz to meet representatives of the British Government at the United Nations to enter into a dialogue on the situation in Iraq was declined. [17918]

Mr. Aziz wished to enter into dialogue on the subject of the UN Special Commission (UNSCOM). It is not for Iraq to attempt to lay down conditions on this subject. UNSCOM received its mandate under Security Council Resolution (SCR) 687. It is non-negotiable. Iraq must comply with all relevant SCRs.