Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
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Question 75: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the meetings he attended during his recent visit to the Western Balkans; the persons who attended these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29326/07]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 308: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to the Balkan region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30971/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 75 and 308 together.

I visited Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia and Kosovo during 6-9 November for a series of meetings with senior political figures.

While in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I met with Foreign Minister Alkalaj and Prime Minister Spiric. Discussions focused on recent political developments in Bosnia-Herzegovina, the country's relations with the EU, regional issues including Serbia and Kosovo, and questions of bilateral interest. I also visited Srebrenica, where I met with Mayor Malkic, and visited the cemetery and Memorial at Potocari, laying a wreath in honour of those who died in the massacre of July 1995. In my contacts, I underlined Ireland's strong support for Mr. Miroslav Lajcak, who serves as both the international community's High Representative and the European Union's Special Representative, and his introduction of measures aimed at improving the functionality of the State and compliance with the provisions of the Dayton Agreement. I also expressed our support for the European perspective of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and urged all political parties to work together for progress on police reform to help ensure that this can become a reality.

In Serbia, I met with President Tadic, Prime Minister Kostunica, Deputy Kosovo Minister Alender, and State Secretary Bogojevic. Discussions focused primarily on the Kosovo status question, EU-Serbia relations, regional issues and bilateral questions of interest. During these talks, I expressed Ireland's support for Serbia's European perspective and urged the Government there to ensure full cooperation with the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, which will clear the way for signature of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement with the European Union.

In Kosovo, I met with President Sedjiu, Prime Minister Ceku, and other leading political figures from the Serb and Albanian communities. Meetings also took place with the Head of the UN Mission (UNMIK), Mr. Ruecker and with KFOR Commander, General de Marnhac. In all cases, discussions focused on the political and security situation in Kosovo, in view of ongoing attempts to resolve the issue of Kosovo's final status. The trip to Kosovo concluded with a visit to the Irish KFOR contingent at Camp Ville. I wish to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the excellent work of our Defence Forces personnel in Kosovo, who are playing a vitally important role in a complex and sensitive environment.

In my discussions with politicians in Kosovo and Serbia, I expressed Ireland's strong support for the efforts of the international Troika, which is facilitating the talks between Belgrade and Pristina on the question of Kosovo's final status, and urged both parties to take a constructive approach to try to find an agreed solution to this difficult and sensitive issue.