Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Senator Walsh referred to the position regarding Syria. I have outlined the approach we are taking with regard to the recognition of the coalition in Syria. Our view, which is shared by other member states, is that we do not want to rush into recognition and we should monitor how the position evolves and who exactly is involved. That the opposition groups have come together is a good development and one which we have sought. Formal recognition is another matter entirely, however.

I propose to comment on the issues raised by a number of contributors about the European Union's future relationship with Cuba. The Foreign Affairs Council has discussed the structure of the EU's future relationship with Cuba. The Council has agreed that the High Representative should begin the process of elaborating negotiating directives for a bilateral agreement with Cuba within the framework of the European Union's Common Position. As I noted in my discussions with the High Representative, I expect to take a direct role in this matter during the Irish Presidency. Ireland supports a policy of closer engagement with Cuba, while stressing the importance of Cuba's adherence to human rights and other international criteria.

The European Union has clearly expressed the opposition of its member states to all unilateral measures against Cuba which are contrary to commonly accepted rules of international trade. In common with our partners in the European Union, Ireland is of the view that the United States economic embargo on Cuba seriously hampers the economic development of the country and negatively affects its people. Accordingly, Ireland and other EU member states support an annual draft resolution at the United Nations General Assembly on the necessity of ending the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba. This resolution, which was adopted most recently on 13 November 2012, is introduced by Cuba and rejects the extraterritorial effects of the US embargo. Ireland and our EU partners are not persuaded that the continued embargo on Cuba is contributing in a positive manner to the democratic transition on the island. Our position on the issue is clear.

With regard to Bosnia-Herzegovina, an issue raised by Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan and Senator Jim Walsh, Bosnia-Herzegovina receives the most negative assessment of the Balkan countries in the reports presented on enlargement. The European Commission has stated that limited progress has been made towards meeting the political criteria. Municipal elections which took place on 7 October meant a couple of months were lost in campaigning. The stabilisation and association agreement has yet to be ratified, pending compliance with the Sejdić and Finci judgment of the European Court of Human Rights. The roadmap, which was agreed between Bosnian leaders in June when the Commission hosted a high level dialogue, is slipping. In particular, a commitment to present the Parliament with a proposal to amend the constitution to make it compliant with the ECHR ruling by 31 August was not fulfilled.

While Ireland is supportive of Bosnia-Herzegovina's EU perspective, the country's Government and political leaders must make real and sustained progress to realise this objective. The lack of progress on reforms in Bosnia-Herzegovina is a significant concern. I hope the second meeting of the high level dialogue, which is due to take place in Sarajevo on 22 November, will encourage further movement on reforms. We will encourage Bosnian leaders to continue their efforts to find a solution. However, it is a matter for them to find an agreement as we cannot impose one on them.

I will examine the suggestion Senator Jim Walsh has made in respect of gendercide. With regard to Marian Price and the issue of prisoners in Maghaberry Prison, I have discussed this matter with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on a number of occasions and it is very much on our common agenda.