Transcript of Prof Jayakumar's Remarks on Iraq in CNN's BizAsia Interview on 31 Jan 2003

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS PRESS RELEASE

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Prof S Jayakumar, was interviewed by CNN on 31 Jan 2003, by BizAsia anchor Andrew Stevens. An excerpt of the interview was aired last night on CNN's Asia Tonight news programme (4 Feb, 7pm). Attached is the full transcript of Minister Jayakumar's interview remarks on Iraq.

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MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
SINGAPORE
5 FEBRUARY 2003

CNN INTERVIEW WITH SINGAPORE FOREIGN MINISTER PROF S JAYAKUMAR, 31 JAN 2003 - TRANSCRIPT OF PROF JAYAKUMAR'S INTERVIEW REMARKS ON IRAQ

Q: Does Singapore support the US if it goes alone in Iraq on the war on Iraq?

A: We would have to see the evidence and the basis for such an action. I understand that Secretary Colin Powell will be presenting his views at the coming Security Council meeting and I read from the papers that they have their own intelligence and other information. So it'll be premature for me to pronouce on that. I'd rather wait and see what is the evidence that is presented.

Q: Would you prefer to see a second UN Security Council resolution?

A: I think, not only Singapore, but most of the foreign ministers I have talked to in the last few months, from many countries, not only want a resolution by the Security Council, but generally favour any action on Iraq to be under the auspices of the United Nations. I think that is the clear preference of many countries.

Q: What could be the consequences if the US goes to war with Iraq? Consequences on Muslims in Southeast Asia?

A: I think it will be a major complicating factor, particularly if it is seen as an action outside the auspices of the United Nations, and particularly if the presentation is not managed properly. By that I mean, if it is presented as a conflict aimed at Muslim populations or Muslim peoples, that will be unfortunate. It should be presented for what it really is, the issue of Weapons of Mass Destruction and disarmament. I think that it's important the presentation - focus on the WMD. If it is not, then I think countries that have predominantly Muslim population would find it a complicating issue.

Q: Let's talk about Singapore. How secure is Singapore - you are surrounded by Muslims?

A: I don't think any country can guarantee that it is secure. You know, because of the problems of the JI (Jemaah Islamiyah) and the uncovering of terrorist cells, and the arrests that we made, we have taken the policy of making ourselves a hard target. You can do as much, and you can try with your security and law enforcement agencies, but, as events have shown, in the United States, in Europe and elsewhere, you cannot give an iron-clad guarantee. But we try our best to do what we can, to make ourselves a hard target. As far as the Muslim population is concerned, we believe that our Muslim population and the leaders of our Muslim groups are sensible, as can be shown by their reactions to the arrests of the JI and the White paper that we published. And they know that we did what we had to do, in terms of the security matters, not because it was aimed at our Muslim population, but it was a security issue aimed at a group, a small group of people, who wanted to hijack religion for their extremist cause.

Q: How do you think relations between Singapore and its neighbours would be affected by a Gulf War?

A: I don't see the relationship being seriously affected because these are problems which each country has to deal with, in its own ways. Countries which have a majority of Muslim population would have a special problem in addressing that issue. Some other countries have their own unique problems. I know that my colleague in the Philippines has to worry about repatriation and return of thousands of their workers in that area. So, there are different nuances and preoccupations for countries in the region. Each of us will have to address it in our own way but I don't think the relationships between us, bilateral or the relationships within ASEAN, would be jeopardised.

Q: Has it been an issue for you in Singapore to calm anti-Muslim sentiments?

A: I don't think there is a streak of anti-Muslim sentiment. But, as with all issues in Singapore, you know, we have to look ahead, and one of the purposes of the White Paper is to have open discussion among Singaporeans. That these are not religious issues, not issues aimed at any particular religion, and it is very important for Muslim groups as well as non-Muslim groups, to see these issues for what they are - that they are security issues, terrorist issues, or, as in the case of a conflict breaking out in Iraq, as an issue of disarmament and WMD.

Q: Talking about JI - do you think Indonesia is doing enough to crack down in the global war on terrorism?

A: You have seen the recent arrests that they have made. I believe their security agencies are now doing all they can. They know from the Bali bombing that really, they have no choice, and I think there is this realisation.

Q: Just finally, does Singapore support weapons inspectors being allowed to continue in Iraq to complete their job, given more time?

A: I think this must be the decision of the Security Council on the recommendations by Mr Hans Blix and Mr ElBaradei. We are no longer in the Security Council, so we are not privy to all details but I believe it's an issue that the Security Council has a clear interest.

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