Máire Hoctor (Tipperary North, Fianna Fail)

The Government is deeply concerned about the situation in Pakistan. We join those in the international community, including the EU, the US and the UN Secretary General, who have expressed similar concerns and demands for an end to the emergency provisions at the earliest possible time.

Yesterday, following the events over the weekend in Pakistan, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, issued a statement expressing serious concern about the declaration of a state of emergency by President Musharraf on 3 November, the suspension of Pakistan's constitution and fundamental freedoms and the imposition of wide-ranging restrictions on the media and the Supreme Court. The Minister also stated that it was essential that every effort be made to reinstate the constitution, to lift restrictions on the media and the judiciary, and to return to the democratic process and hold early elections in order to pave the way for a peaceful transition to democratic government in Pakistan. The widespread arrests and detention of opposition members, human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers are deeply disturbing.

In our contact with the Government of Pakistan, we have long expressed our strong hope for a return to democracy and civilian rule through free and fair elections. Pakistan is a country of real strategic importance and, particularly if it can return to civilian rule and democracy, a country with which we are interested in further strengthening our relationship. Indeed, the promise by General Musharraf to withdraw from his military role and the work of the Pakistani elections commission to set up systems for free and fair elections had raised hopes that Pakistan would finally return to this path. This makes the events of the past few days all the more disturbing.

The Irish Government's position is clear. We recognize the real threats to peace and security in Pakistan from the subversion and havoc that militants and extremists can create. We have already seen this in the appalling massacre that greeted Benazir Bhutto's return to her country, which sought not just to assassinate her but also to undermine the democratic process. In responding to this, the authorities must accept that stability and development can only be achieved through democracy and the rule of law.

It is only through accountable representative government, which carries the support of the people of Pakistan, that the real challenges that Pakistan and its people face can properly be addressed. These challenges include the very poor conditions that exist in some remote rural and tribal areas, and the corruption at various levels which affects almost every aspect of life, including the political system.

We urgently call on the Government of Pakistan to take urgent action in the following areas: to restore the constitution; to ensure that the commitments made, and restated yesterday, that free and fair elections will be held on schedule in January are respected in full and the necessary conditions to ensure these are put in place; and to release without delay all political prisoners, including members of the judiciary, lawyers, journalists and human rights defenders. In particular, we appeal for the immediate release of the distinguished human rights defender, and UN special rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir, whose detention is totally unacceptable. We call on the Government of Pakistan to honour the President's commitment to step down as army chief of staff by 15 November, to pursue energetically reconciliation with the political opposition and to relax restrictions on the media.

All parties must exercise the utmost restraint and work together for a peaceful and democratic solution. The Minister has conveyed these views and the Government's deep concerns about recent developments to the ambassador of Pakistan in Dublin, making clear his personal interest in the situation. The Government and the EU will keep the situation under review and will discuss developments further at the next General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting on 19 November.

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