1
HOSTAGES IN KUWAIT AND IRAQ: ACTION TAKEN TO SECURE THEIR RELEASE
The holding of British and other foreign nationals by Iraq is a moral and humanitarian outrage. It is also a gross violation of
international law. Consular staff have been denied all access to
the hostages. While Ministers have made plain that the plight of the hostages cannot be allowed to dictate our response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait, vigorous and unremitting efforts have been made
to secure the release of the hostages. We have taken action at
every opportunity directly with Iraq. We have also acted in cooperation with other governments many of whom have nationals of their own trapped in Iraq. And we have acted with families, private
individuals and humanitarian organisations, and at the UN.
Many of our initiatives have remained confidential at the request of those
involved and to increase the possibility of a positive outcome.
2.
Channels used include:
- TC
repeated protests by our Ambassador in Baghdad to the Iraqi
authorities, and by Ministers and officials in London to the
Iraqi Ambassador.
Through high level contacts with Arab governments, especially
those which might have a particular influence in Baghdad.
In conjunction with other governments whose nationals have
also been detained.
To international leaders and Statesmen.
To governments in advance of visits to Baghdad by their representatives.
At the United Nations.