Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

There are many countries across the world that have commercial interests in countries in different parts of the world, particularly in areas where there is terrorism, discrimination and a lack of basic human rights. However, I am optimistic in this regard as a result of the decision taken by at least one country to call on Burma not to chair the summit later this year. We did not expect that. There was a united effort from all the adjoining countries to Burma to protect the rights of the Burmese nation from interference by outside interests or countries. As a result of the change that has taken place since the meeting I attended in Jakarta, I am reasonably optimistic there will be considerable pressure on Burma in this respect and that it might have to review its position vis-a-vis its chairmanship of the summit.

The European Union and Ireland, will be guided by our commitment to human rights and democracy. I am confident that a collective decision will be a positive one towards which we can work. Irrespective of the position any member state of the Union takes, a majority view will always guide what is best in the common good of the global world.

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