Paul McGrath (Westmeath, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 84: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political and security situation in Iraq; the travel advice issued by his Department for Irish citizens in that country or intending to travel to that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19582/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Despite the continuing violence in Iraq, there have been hopeful political developments in recent weeks. On 23 April, the Parliament provisionally agreed the nomination of Mr. Nouri al-Maliki, Deputy Leader of the Shi'a Dawa party, as Prime Minister designate of the new Iraqi Government. Following further negotiations on the filling of Cabinet positions in a Government of National Unity, the appointments of Prime Minister al-Maliki and his Government were approved by the Iraqi Parliament on 21 May. This is a very welcome and significant step forward. It has been warmly welcomed by the European Union. Iraq now has a fully sovereign and democratic Government and parliament, mandated for four years. The political transition process as set out in United Nations Security Council Resolutions has now been completed.

It would of course have been desirable for a Government to have been formed shortly after the elections held last December. However, it is important that we recognise the major achievement of recent weeks, which has required the engagement of all the major political parties in Iraq. The new Government is very broadly based, and includes the main parties representing the Sunni community. The General Affairs and External Relations Council on 15 May looked forward to this important development and repeated the EU's commitment that it will engageactively with the new Government to achieve a secure, stable and democratic Iraq.

The violence which forms the background to this political progress remains a matter of grave concern. Iraqi citizens continue to be targeted in openly sectarian bomb attacks, and casualties have been high. Despite their refusal to be provoked into large scale civil strife, sectarian retaliation and violence have been rising steadily. It appears that, in some areas, minority communities are reacting by moving to areas where they feel more secure. The new Government therefore faces very serious challenges in ensuring the security and unity of the State.

In view of the circumstances on the ground, my Department continues to advise Irish citizens against all travel to Iraq.