Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

Our approach to these issues is governed by the principles of respect for human rights and the rights of individuals, in particular civilians. In respect of Bahrain, about which the Deputy asked a specific question, I am very concerned about reports of serious violence on the streets of Bahrain and signs of increasing sectarian tension. Security forces from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, under the auspices of the Gulf Cooperation Council, have been deployed in Bahrain at the request of its government and there is a state of emergency. I fully support the statement made by High Representative Catherine Ashton on 15 March in which she urged restraint and stated dialogue was the only way to solve the crisis in Bahrain. I call on the authorities in Bahrain to begin immediately an inclusive and comprehensive dialogue aimed at agreeing necessary political and economic reforms.

Yemen, about which the Deputy also asked, is also experiencing significant unrest and popular protest which descended into widespread violence on 18 March when at least 39 pro-democracy protestors were shot dead by pro-government forces. On 21 March the Foreign Affairs Council strongly condemned the use of force against protestors and deeply deplored the injuries and loss of life caused.

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