Results 661-680 of 7,278 for speaker:Dick Roche
- Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: The point I was making with regard to the latter was that no further activity would be dealt with on the terms of diplomatic relations until there are substantial and sustained improvements on the ground. On whether it was wise to make contact in 2004, the benefit of hindsight is always great. However, the reality is that our ambassador designate went and met Aung San Suu Kyi and caused the...
- Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: I believe the latter item is covered. However, whether he will be successful is another issue. As the Deputy has repeatedly and correctly pointed out in the House, we are dealing with extraordinarily obdurate people in the Burmese junta, who care little for the international view of them, whether it is positive or negative. The reality is that in the Security Council and in that region...
- Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: The House will be aware from answers to previous questions, most recently on 23 October 2007, that the struggle against the heinous crime of trafficking in human beings is a matter of grave concern at national, EU and international level. On 11 October, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform announced a programme of measures on human trafficking that will lead to Ireland ratifying...
- Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: As the Deputy mentioned the possibility, it struck me that it undoubtedly has some merit. However, I do not know of any technical problem that might arise. I will certainly draw the Minister's attention to the suggestion, which is helpful.
- Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: I do not have any details. I note the Deputy's point about Deputy Higgins's suggestion.
- Arms Trade. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: The EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports, which dates back to 1998, is a politically binding document which governs the handling by member states of export licence applications for military goods and technology. The code contains eight criteria against which each application must be assessed before a licence can be issued. The EU has established best practice for the interpretation of each of...
- Arms Trade. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: I cannot give the Deputy details of when the last review of the code took place. There is a process of keeping the operation of the code under review. I do not disagree that there is something extraordinarily hypocritical about nations arguing about weapons of mass destruction when they are involved in the trade of small arms, which are the biggest weapons of mass destruction on this planet...
- Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 87 together. The Government continues to be deeply concerned about the situation in Zimbabwe. The disastrous economic policies of that country's government have led to severe hardship for ordinary people. Those who seek democratic change in Zimbabwe are facing enormous obstacles. The efforts of opposition parties in Zimbabwe to organise are being...
- Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: Deputy Higgins is right to argue that the silence of a neighbouring country, particularly a neighbour like South Africa that has significant influence in the region, is regrettable. The Deputy also suggested that EU member states which have some power in the region should use it.
- Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: I will mention that point to the Minister. While it has not been considered, it has significant merit. On Deputy Deasy's point, I do not think the merit of the forthcoming EU-Africa Summit should be assessed on the basis of the attendance of any given individual. It should go ahead regardless.
- Human Rights Issues. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: Yes. We will be represented at the summit because we appreciate its significance. Relations between Europe and Africa are not determined by the actions of an individual.
- Foreign Conflicts. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: The difficult and sensitive issue of Kosovo's future status is the legacy of the Balkan wars of the 1990s. The framework for post-conflict Kosovo was set out in UN Security Council Resolution 1244 which established an interim United Nations civilian administration and authorised an international security presence, Kosovo Force, KFOR. The resolution also provided for a gradual transfer of...
- Foreign Conflicts. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: Regarding the speculation alluded to by the Deputy, agreement will be difficult to reach and if it is not reached, hard choices will have to be made. Ireland is ready to play a full part in efforts to resolve this issue with our European partners and the international community. Since August we have increased our presence on the ground; 270 troops are now attached to KFOR and Ireland has...
- Foreign Conflicts. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: If the European Union sticks together between now and 10 December and makes its expectation clear to the parties in the region, this will be far better than independent speculation. The Government is committed to finding a solution and sees this as a European problem that must be solved by Europeans. The best way for the European Union to make a concrete contribution is to stick together.
- Middle East Peace Process. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: The international meeting taking place in Annapolis today represents a crucial opportunity to restore momentum to the Middle East peace process. The Government and its partners in Europe have strongly supported the preparatory work for the meeting and the political dialogue between Prime Minister Olmert and President Abbas. It is important that these discussions now lead to meaningful and...
- Middle East Peace Process. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: We hope that all of the issues mentioned, particularly the rights of the 1.4 million people who are suffering in Gaza, will be dealt with in Annapolis. The reality that has informed the attitude of the EU is somewhat misrepresented by Deputy Higgins, although I recognise that he makes his points with goodwill. In the aftermath of the election, the EU's position is that there can be no twin...
- Middle East Peace Process. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: We in this country have learned something about ballot boxes and armalites. Our general position is that the policy of isolation of Gaza and its people is neither just nor politically sustainable. With regard to the divisions among Palestinians, we are of the view that there is a need for reconciliation between Fatah, Hamas and the other political factions. Reconciliation efforts should be...
- Middle East Peace Process. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: There is an eternal conundrum between violence and politics. I am sure the Deputy accepts the reality that there has been a twin track approach whereby violence and politics were used in tandem.
- Middle East Peace Process. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: Hamas won a clear electoral victory in January 2006 and there is no gainsaying that.
- Middle East Peace Process. (27 Nov 2007)
Dick Roche: However, the twin track approach of violence and politics is not a practical way forward. If nothing else can be learned from the history of this island, it is that violence has no place in a final political solution. Dialogue is the way forward.