Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 362: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent bloodless coup in Thailand; the implications of same for that country's democracy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30808/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am concerned about the situation in Thailand and am carefully monitoring developments there. I had been aware of the political difficulties in that country and, indeed, had had an opportunity to discuss the situation there with the then Foreign Minister of Thailand, when he visited Ireland a few weeks ago, but the staging of a coup was unexpected.

Ireland, along with our EU partners, supported a statement issued by the Finnish EU Presidency immediately after the coup which condemned the take-over of power from the democratic government of Thailand by the Thai military forces, demanded that the military forces stand back and give way to the democratically-elected political government and expressed the hope that Thailand will soon be able to return to democratic order.

We were also party to a follow-up EU Statement delivered on 28 September reiterating the great importance that the EU attaches to Thailand's speedy return to democracy and constitutional order, legitimised by free and democratic elections to be held as soon as possible. The statement went on to call for martial law to give way, without delay, to the rule of ordinary law with full respect for human rights and civil liberties. Noting the military leadership's assurances that Thailand will continue to abide by the United Nations Charter and international treaties and agreements, the EU stated that the decisions and actions of the new military-appointed government will be evaluated by the EU in the light of Thailand's international obligations, inter alia in the area of human rights, including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, as well as the military leadership's specific assurances to this respect as mentioned above. It concluded by emphasising that it is for the people of Thailand as a whole to decide upon Thailand's future government.

I recognise that a difficult political situation had prevailed in the country for some time; that the coup was carried out without bloodshed; that the coup leaders agreed to abide by the United Nations Charter and international law; that they received the endorsement by King Bhumipol Adulyadej to create an interim Government; that some powers, at least, are being transferred to the newly-appointed interim Prime Minister, and the Cabinet due to be appointed this week; and that a commitment has been given to holding elections within a year, and to the restoration of full democratic government thereafter.

However, the Irish Government – as a fundamental principle — cannot accept military coups as a legitimate way to resolve political difficulties in Thailand, or anywhere else. While reassured in some respects by the commitments made by the coup leaders, I remain concerned about a number of issues. My concerns relate, in particular, to the protection of human rights and civil liberties, including freedom of expression and freedom of assembly, during the interim period; to the year-long delay envisaged before elections are held and democratic government restored; to the degree of control still retained by the coup leaders under the new interim Constitution; and the extent to which the people of Thailand and representative groups will be able to input into the drafting of the new Constitution.

Along with my EU colleagues, I will continue to monitor the situation carefully and use all diplomatic and other channels to ensure compliance with the commitments entered into by the military leaders and interim Government, and the earliest possible return to fully democratic political processes and Government, controlled by the people of Thailand as a whole.

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 363: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the continuing situation in Myanmar Burma; the prospects for the restoration of the democratic process in the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30809/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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In my statement on behalf of Ireland to the 61st Session of the UN General Assembly on 26 September, I referred to the particularly grave human rights situation in Burma. I called, once again, on the Burmese régime to move towards democracy and to release all political prisoners, in particular Aung San Suu Kyi. At the ASEM (Asia-Europe Meeting) Summit held in Helsinki earlier in September, the Taoiseach also raised the situation in Burma. He called for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and for greater progress towards democracy.

These statements by the Taoiseach and myself are consistent with the strong position on Burma which Ireland takes on all possible occasions, including in the European Union framework and at the United Nations. Together with our EU partners, we avail of all opportunities to call for the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi, to condemn the abuse of human rights and fundamental freedoms and deplore the lack of progress towards democracy in Burma.

The visit by UN Under-Secretary-General (UN USG) Gambari to Burma from 18-20 May was the first high-level visit to that country by a UN representative in more than two years. I welcome the fact that he was able to meet with the most senior Burmese leaders as well as with Aung San Suu Kyi and representatives of her party, the National League for Democracy, during the visit. The Burmese government should allow the UN to play a role in promoting common ground between the government and the National League for Democracy so that the National Convention, when it resumes its work, can proceed in a more inclusive way.

The situation in Burma was most recently discussed at the EU General Affairs and External Council Meeting in Luxembourg on 12 June. On that occasion the possibility of the situation in Burma coming before the UN Security Council was discussed. Subsequently, the UN Security Council decided to include Burma on its agenda. On foot of this, UNSG Gambari briefed the Security Council last Friday, 29 September. This is a welcome development. In this regard, I welcome the news that UN USG Gambari is due to return to Burma next month.

The EU applies a range of sanctions and restrictive measures against Burma, referred to as the EU Common Position, which had been due to expire on 30 April but which has been renewed for a further year. In the absence of any significant progress in Burma, Ireland strongly supported the renewal.

I will continue to raise concerns about Burma on all possible occasions and to call on the Burmese government to assume its responsibilities towards its people and to allow the fullest possible UN involvement in a genuine process of democratisation and reconciliation.