Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 102: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will condemn the decision of President Musharraf to impose martial law in Pakistan; if he will issue a demarche to the Ambassador; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27966/07]

Leo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Question 103: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ask for a meeting of the European Foreign Affairs Council to establish a common EU position on the recent events in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27967/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together.

On 5 November, I issued a statement expressing deep concern about the declaration of a State of Emergency in Pakistan by President Musharraf, the suspension of Pakistan's Constitution and the imposition of wide-ranging restrictions on the media and the Supreme Court. I also stated that it was essential that every effort be made to reinstate the Constitution, to lift restrictions on the media and the judiciary, and to return to the democratic process and early elections, in order to pave the way for a peaceful transition to democratic government in Pakistan. Likewise, the widespread arrests and detentions of opposition members, human rights defenders, journalists and lawyers are also deeply disturbing.

As was stated during the Adjournment Debate in Dáil Éireann on 6 November, the Government's position is clear. While recognising that Pakistan faces threats to its peace and security, we are firmly of the view that stability and development can only be achieved through democracy and the rule of law.

Along with our EU colleagues, we call on the Government of Pakistan

first, to take urgent action to restore the Constitution;

second, to ensure that the commitments which have been made — and restated on 5 November — that free and fair elections will be held on schedule in January are respected in full, and the necessary conditions to ensure this put in place;

third, to release all political prisoners, including members of the judiciary, lawyers, journalists and human rights defenders. In particular, I appeal for the immediate release of the distinguished human rights defender, and UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir, whose detention is totally unacceptable;

fourth, to honour the President's commitment to step down as Chief of Army Staff by 15 November

fifth, to pursue energetically reconciliation with the political opposition; and

finally, to relax restrictions on the media.

I have conveyed these views and my deep concerns about recent developments to the Ambassador of Pakistan in Dublin, making clear my active and ongoing personal interest in the situation. I and my EU colleagues will keep the situation under active review and I will seek to ensure that we have a detailed discussion on developments at the forthcoming General Affairs and External Relations Council on 19 November.