Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The people of Libya deserve an agreed and democratic future. The regime of Colonel Gadaffi which has a long and vicious record of violence against those who oppose it has neither the agreement nor the democratic endorsement of the Libyan people. Colonel Gadaffi's abuse of power has been once again demonstrated in his violent suppression of opposition to his rule which has made no effort to spare civilians. He should order an immediate and genuine cessation of his military offensive. He and his family should surrender power and allow the Libyan people to peacefully determine their own shared future.

The Government welcomes the adoption by the United Nations Security Council of Resolution 1973 which demanded the immediate establishment of a ceasefire and a complete end to violence and all attacks against and abuse of civilians and decided to establish a no-fly zone over Libya to help protect civilians. We support the implementation of Resolution 1973 in a manner that is proportionate, targeted and avoids civilian casualties.

The Government which has released stocks of blankets and tents from Ireland's pre-positioned stocks in response to the United Nations' appeal seeking help for those fleeing the ongoing violence, as well as providing €250,000 in funding to help the International Organisation for Migration to transport migrants leaving Libya back to their home countries, stands ready to provide further humanitarian assistance in support of Libyans affected by the current violence.

In relation to opposition forces in Libya, the Interim Transitional National Council of Libya which was formally established in Benghazi on 5 March has emerged as the principal political representative of all those within Libya who are seeking to remove the Gadaffi regime and institute a process of democratic change there. Ireland's long-standing position has been to recognise states rather than governments. However, I obviously welcome the emergence of the ITNC as an important political interlocutor and representative of the Libyan people and would similarly encourage all others within Libya who are committed to helping transform the country into a constitutional state based on the rule of law. Political contacts with the ITNC are important and clearly to be distinguished from any formal act of recognition. I would be happy to meet any envoys of the ITNC should they ever visit Ireland. Officials from my Department have held a number of meetings with representatives of the Libyan community in Ireland to discuss events since the start of the current crisis.

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