Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I again welcome the witnesses. I will begin with an issue that was not really addressed in the statement provided, that is, the situation in Turkey, which is on members' minds after watching on television the scenes that unfolded last night. Amnesty International held a protest outside the Turkish Embassy today in respect of the attacks on peaceful protesters in which one can see the gas and so on. Aside from the impact on everyone concerned - this certainly is having an impact on business, investment and so on - what impact does the Secretary General believe this will have on the application to join the European Union? Many concerns and issues were raised with regards to human rights and so on but having seen it so graphically on screen last night, the witnesses might comment on this issue.

As for the situation in Syria, like everyone else I am horrified with what is going on and in particular with the humanitarian crisis in the camps. It is not helpful that some states appear to be pushing ahead with regard to more guns, greater supplies and so on. I do not think that will help in a civil war. I acknowledge Ireland has taken a strong position in this regard and note that Austria is taking a very strong position regarding the lifting of the ban. It is talking about pulling out its troops, who are serving with United Nations on the Golan Heights. Do the witnesses believe this issue is showing cracks within the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy? On the humanitarian crisis itself, how many countries - particularly European countries - have pledged to help? Do the witnesses have details of what European Union countries have reneged or thus far have not fulfilled their obligations in this regard?

In respect of the Palestinian issue, Ireland has a positive position on what is happening in that part of the world. The Tánaiste has stated there is no consensus within the European Union regarding the ban on settlement goods. There is talk of introducing a labelling of Israeli settlement goods and while I do not believe that goes far enough, will the Government work to put this proposal on the agenda at the next European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting? The witnesses might provide an update on the labelling issue and might provide an overview on the ban.

The issue of Mali was mentioned in the statement provided. I have serious reservations regarding Ireland's involvement in what is clearly a civil war taking place there. Recently, the Malian Government attacked Tuareg areas in northern Mali. While serious social and economic grievances obtain in respect of that entire region, Ireland appears to be taking the Government side in this regard. While one is told it is about al-Qaeda and other things, the Tuareg in this area clearly have legitimate grievances. There have been criticisms in respect of the Malian Government and serious human rights abuses have been raised by the United Nations itself. The European Union clearly appears to be adopting a one-sided approach to this conflict. Broadly, is the European Union doing anything to address the legitimate grievances of the Tuareg people in that region?

Finally, although it is not mentioned in the opening statement, I refer to the position in Bahrain. While uprisings in different parts of the world are being discussed, what is the European Union's position, in particular with regard to the arrest of human rights workers, lawyers and so on? It is one of those areas of conflict that always are being pushed to one side. Is the European Union adopting a formal position on events there and on the concerns all members have in that regard? It is a small country that clearly has a sectarian regime with regard to the treatment of a large proportion of its population. Almost on a weekly basis, one hears of people with a human rights background being arrested and imprisoned.