[R-G] Dutch inquiry into support for Iraq invasion

[Anthony Fenton]

Dutch inquiry into support for Iraq invasion

The Associated Press
Monday, February 2, 2009; 10:42 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/02/AR2009020200940.html

THE HAGUE, Netherlands -- The Dutch prime minister on Monday ordered  
an independent inquiry into his government's decision to support the  
U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003 _ even though that support was verbal  
only.

The decision is a dramatic U-turn for Jan Peter Balkenende's  
government, which long refused to conduct any kind of investigation.

But momentum for an investigation has grown in recent weeks after  
evidence emerged that government lawyers believed the invasion might  
be illegal under international law _ a potential embarrassment for a  
country that houses many of the top international courts.

Balkenende's government did not send any troops to participate in the  
invasion. But it announced it supported the U.S.-led military campaign  
that toppled Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

"Parliament and the Cabinet made a decision based on clear and honest  
consideration," in 2003, Balkenende said. "So there is nothing to hide."

Balkenende installed a former head of the Dutch Supreme Court to lead  
the inquiry and pledged it would be given access to all documents and  
would have the power to question people.

The board of inquiry is due to publish its findings by Nov. 1.