Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 452: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the current position in Thailand; the prospects which exist for a safe and secure transition in that country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34531/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The situation in Thailand remains calm, apart from unrest in the south of the country which predates the military coup which took place on 19 September. A new interim Government was appointed on 9 October. The interim Prime Minister, General Surayud Chulanont, announced last week that a ban on political gatherings of more than five people, introduced since the coup, will be lifted. He said that martial law, which remains in place, will be lifted when the situation allows.

Ireland, together with EU partners, issued a statement immediately after the coup which condemned the take-over of power from the democratic government of Thailand by the Thai military forces and expressed the hope that Thailand will soon be able to return to democratic order.

A follow-up EU Statement issued on 28 September reiterated 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 called 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 would 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 would 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 assurance in this respect. It emphasised that it is for the people of Thailand as a whole to decide upon Thailand's future government.

I had been aware of the political difficulties in Thailand and, indeed, had an opportunity to discuss the situation there with the then Foreign Minister of Thailand, when he visited Ireland earlier in September. The staging of a coup was obviously unexpected at that point. 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 Cabinet; that a commitment has been given to holding elections within a year, and to the restoration of full democratic government thereafter.

The Government, as a fundamental principle, cannot accept military coups as a legitimate way to resolve political difficulties in Thailand or elsewhere. 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 EU partners, Ireland will continue to monitor the situation carefully and use all diplomatic and other channels to seek to ensure compliance with the commitments entered into by the military leaders and the new interim Government to bring about the earliest possible return to fully democratic political processes and Government, controlled by the people of Thailand as a whole.

We will continue to closely monitor the human rights situation, with a particular emphasis on the rule of law. I would welcome the lifting of martial law as quickly as possible and also a shortening of the proposed timeline of October 2007 for holding free and fair elections. Also the interim civilian government should be independent from military interference. It is of the utmost importance that there is a swift return to democracy.