asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether the new United States policy of attacking Iraqi air defence systems in the United States/United Kingdom-declared "no-fly zones" whether or not these systems' radar locks onto United States or United Kingdom aircraft (as announced by Mr. Berger, President Clinton's National Security Adviser,
International Herald Tribune, 27 January), is permitted in international law; whether this escalation was agreed between them and the United States; and, if so, whether they will spell out those United Nations Security Council resolutions or articles in the United Nations Charter under which such attacks may be lawful. [HL784]
UK and US aircraft continue to enforce the No-Fly Zones. In response to the threat from the Iraqi aircraft and air defence systems, allied aircraft have responded in self-defence, in a proportionate manner. The action is justified under international law, on the basis of self-defence.
The UK and US keep in close contact over all issues relating to patrolling of the No-Fly Zones.