Written answers

Wednesday, 16 September 2009

Department of Foreign Affairs

Official Engagements

9:00 pm

Photo of Pat BreenPat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 786: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31194/09]

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I can assure the Deputy that the Irish Government has been making every possible effort to secure the release of Ms Sharon Commins and her fellow Goal development worker, Ms Hilda Kawuki, since their original abduction on Friday 3 July. I visited Sudan on the 6th and 7th of September to discuss with the Sudanese authorities the efforts that are being made to ensure safe return of Sharon and that of her colleague to their families.

During my recent visit I met with the Minister for Humanitarian Affairs, who is coordinating the Sudanese efforts, the UN Deputy Special Representative, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Presidential advisor on Darfur. The discussions were useful and I impressed on them the importance of bringing about a peaceful and successful resolution of this appalling kidnapping, which targeted development workers whose only objective was to assist the ordinary people of Darfur, who have suffered so much in the conflict there. I was briefed on the ongoing efforts to release the hostages. I believe that every effort is being made at the moment to obtain the release of both women. I also met with the Goal representatives on the ground and with the Ambassador of Uganda.

As the Deputy will appreciate there is a need for discretion during a kidnap episode. I cannot go into detail about the operation in Sudan but I can assure him that I will continue to keep in close touch with our team on the ground and with the Sudanese authorities until we secure the release of the two women.

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