Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 82: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to legitimate desire for independence of the Sahara Arab Democratic Republic; if Ireland has changed its position from full recognition accorded some years ago at the UN; the proposals he favours for the achievement of international law in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7003/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government has consistently supported the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination. Ireland played a prominent role in seeking a solution to the Western Sahara dispute during its term on the UN Security Council, and the Government has remained closely engaged with the issue. As regards recognition, there has been no change in the position of the Government, that is, that a Saharan state that meets the internationally recognised criteria for recognition has not yet come into being and, therefore, the question of recognition by Ireland does not arise. In addition, an announcement of recognition in these circumstances would prejudge the question of self-determination, and impede the outcome of UN efforts to bring about a solution.

The Government continues to believe that the Baker II plan, recommended to the parties by the Security Council in July 2003, represents the best framework for a negotiated settlement which respects the right to self-determination of the Saharawi people. The plan envisages a preparatory phase under UN supervision, leading to a referendum to determine the future of the territory. The Government also strongly supports the continuing role of the UN in working to bring the parties towards an agreement, under the new special representative of the Secretary General, Mr. Peter Van Walsum. The issue is very likely to be considered again by the by the UN Security Council in April, when the mandate of the UN monitoring mission in the Western Sahara is due for renewal.