Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I support amendment No. 9 because it is sensible and progressive. I welcome the definition of "crimes of aggression" as "use of force by a State against another State contrary to the UN Charter." We all should focus on this issue because of its importance to the current international political climate. More than 120,000 people have been slaughtered in the disgraceful war in Iraq and killings continue on a daily basis. Many people are annoyed and disappointed that the countries involved, the so-called coalition, have dishonoured international law and the UN Charter. However, we should continue to push on.

Dealing with crimes of aggression presents an opportunity to call for common sense from the countries involved in confronting Iran, a matter that could, it appears, result in the commencement of the third world war. I would love to see the EU being more proactive on this and Ireland, as a neutral country, standing up to those who want to start a war with Iran over the nuclear issue. While we are all concerned about nuclear weapons and power, the solution is dialogue with these countries, particularly at UN level. I am concerned by some of the language coming from the USA and Britain. I am disappointed with Mr. Blair. Stories are circulating that one of the reasons Mr. Jack Straw was ousted from his role as British Foreign Secretary was that he had a different view from Mr. Blair on this issue. When discussing the crime of aggression in amendment No. 9 it is important we remember the Dublin and Monaghan bombings. This was a crime of aggression by elements of another state that caused a horrific tragedy on the streets of Dublin and Monaghan. This should always be challenged and highlighted.

The treatment of crimes of aggression in amendment No. 9 reminded me of the assassination of the former Chilean Foreign Minister, Mr. Orlando Letelier, and the sabotage of the Cuban civilian airliner off the coast of Barbados, which cost the lives of all 73 innocents on board. Documents recently declassified by the US authorities proved not only that the two people involved, Mr. Orlando Bosch and Mr. Luis Posada Carriles, participated in these terrible acts, but that Washington has since covered up and protected these people. I call for a massive international mobilisation to condemn the fallacy of the current anti-terrorism crusade that emanates from Washington and call for an end to the impunity enjoyed by Posada Carriles, Bosch and other international criminals as well as to demand the release of the five Cuban citizens who were involved in trying to prevent these attacks on their country.

Amendment No. 9 mentions the UN Charter. It is important and I agree with Deputy Michael Higgins, one of the few Deputies who always brings the broader, international view. It is always refreshing to hear a real internationalist speak in the House. It is important we seriously examine the United Nations. We cannot allow it to be constantly undermined. While there are problems in the UN and it needs reform, it should never be undermined. I feel sad and annoyed when I see countries deliberately undermining the UN through their roles internationally and as members of the UN. While I urge people to get involved in the reform and make it proactive, more sensible and able to deal with conflict-resolution issues, it should not be dismantled. This is the only way forward. I commend Deputy Ó Snodaigh on proposing amendment No. 9 because it deals with serious issues on international law.

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