Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 221: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24552/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I utterly condemn the murder of over 90 members of the Ahmadi community in Lahore, as well as the terrible injuries visited upon so many others as they worshipped in two mosques in the city on 28 May. Nothing can justify attacks which cause such senseless carnage and destruction. On my own behalf, and on behalf of the Government, I extend my deepest sympathies to the bereaved families on their great loss.

These heinous attacks bring to public attention once again the threats which exist to the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan, the discrimination they can face there and in neighbouring countries, and issues relating to other minority communities more broadly.

As I mentioned in my response to previous questions in this House in relation to the Ahmadiyya community, most recently in September last, promoting religious tolerance remains a key objective of Ireland and the EU in relation to Pakistan. Bilaterally, and through the EU, we have urged the Government there to make every effort to promote effectively the rights of minorities and to improve their current conditions. In our bilateral contact with Pakistan, we have emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate protections for minorities in Pakistan. Minority and human rights issues in Pakistan were discussed at political consultations held between Ireland and Pakistan at Political Director level in Islamabad on 10 February last. The issue of the recent attacks has been raised with the Embassy of Pakistan and my Department will continue to discuss issues relating to minorities in its ongoing bilateral contacts with Pakistan.

At EU level, the EU Council Conclusions on 28 April and 8 December 2008 reaffirmed the importance of human rights in Pakistan as a central priority for the EU. Human rights and minority issues were discussed with Pakistan, most recently at the second EU-Pakistan Summit held in Brussels on 4 June.

The Government of Pakistan has made it clear that it is committed to the protection of minorities, the promotion of religious tolerance and combating the terrorist actions of the local Taliban and other radicals. However, it faces very serious challenges in this regard. Many hundreds of innocent Pakistani civilians from many parts of the country, from many tribal and religious groups and from all levels in society have fallen victim to terrorists. In the case of the attacks on the Ahmadi community on 28 May, I note that the Punjab wing of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan has claimed responsibility.

The EU has pledged to assist the Government of Pakistan in its efforts to fight terrorism. In this context, leaders at the EU-Pakistan summit last week agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the EU and Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, both within the framework of the United Nations as well as in other relevant forums. The EU and Pakistan also reiterated that counter-terrorism measures and the protection of human rights are complementary and mutually reinforcing, and should be implemented in full respect of international law.