Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has expressed his concerns to the Pakistan Ambassador in relation to the current imposition of martial law in Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29251/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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My deep concerns about the declaration of a State of Emergency in Pakistan, and subsequent events, have been made clear to the Ambassador of Pakistan in Dublin.

The Government's position has been set out in my statement on 5 November, during the Adjournment Debate in Dáil Éireann on 6 November, and in response to Parliamentary Questions regarding Pakistan on 8 November. 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, and as has been clearly stated to the Pakistani Ambassador, the Government calls on the Government of Pakistan to take urgent action to restore the Constitution; to ensure that commitments on holding free and fair elections on schedule in January are respected in full, and that the necessary conditions to ensure this are put in place; for President Musharraf to honour his commitment to step down as Chief of Army Staff; to release all political prisoners, including members of the judiciary, lawyers, journalists and human rights defenders; to pursue reconciliation with the political opposition; and to relax media restrictions.

Developments in Pakistan were discussed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 19 November, and my EU colleagues and I will continue to keep the situation under active review.