Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Kenny referred to three issues. If it proves possible to reach a conclusion prior to the European Parliament elections, I would be pleased. The greatest difficulty we face in terms of moving forward relates to the dates for changes in government in various states. The new Spanish Government has made it clear that it will not take office before 20 April. However, we will engage with the Spanish in so far as is possible. I have already met the Prime Minister elect, Mr. Zapatero, and we will try to work with him and his colleagues.

The decision to establish diplomatic relations with Burma was taken in the context of Ireland's Presidency of the European Union and the need for us to be in a position to deal directly with the Burmese authorities. During its Presidency, Ireland has an opportunity and a responsibility to speak to the Burmese authorities on behalf of the European Union. We will, in particular, demand the release of political prisoners and the participation of the National League for Democracy in the forthcoming national convention. The Deputy is aware of the timetable for progress towards democracy and improvement in the human rights situation in Burma. Ireland and the European Union are strongly critical of the serious and persistent human rights abuses, the lack of fundamental freedoms and the absence of political progress in Burma. The EU common position on Burma, which provides for a visa ban on members of the regime and a freeze on all its financial assets in the European Union, is due to expire on 29 April. Together with our EU partners, we will discuss, in due course, what revisions, if any, in the common position will be necessary in view of developments in Burma.

Our goals are the return of democracy, the ending of human rights violations and the realisation of peace and prosperity for the long-suffering people of Burma. The appointment of an ambassador to Burma increases our influence and credibility in efforts to promote these goals by the EU and the international community.

The Deputy's third question related to the Middle East. Since the beginning of the year I have met Abu Allah, the Foreign Minister and representatives of the World Jewish Organisation. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, visited the region both before and since the commencement of our Presidency. We were to attend the summit to be held on Sunday and yesterday. Unfortunately, however, following the death of Mr. Yassin, in an extra-judicial killing to which we are totally opposed because it will get us nowhere, the summit did not proceed. We did everything we could during the past week through the European Council to urge other leaders to use their influence to stop the normal reaction, namely, retaliation. The huge efforts made by Egypt and their resolution at the summit in Tunis did not work and that is why the summit was cancelled because of tension and the major reaction on the part of most of the 22 member states. It was decided to cancel late on Saturday night or in the early hours of Sunday morning but the technical groups had already begun their work.

We will continue to do all we can during our Presidency in respect of this matter. I totally reject the notion that because there are elections in America and elsewhere this year, progress cannot be made. We made this point when we met President Bush and Condoleezza Rice, who we asked to continue to endeavour to make as much progress as possible. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Cowen, visited the region yesterday and today and I assure Deputy Kenny that we will continue to do everything possible to make progress on the Middle East during our Presidency.

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