Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Unfortunately, a series of unilateral provocations by North Korea over the last year has caused relations on the Korean peninsula to deteriorate significantly. The sinking of a South Korean naval vessel along the disputed border in the Yellow Sea in March, the announcement of new uranium enrichment at Yangbyon nuclear power plant and the November artillery strikes on Yeonpyeong Island, in which four people were killed, have raised tensions to a new high.

Some speculation suggests that the bellicose and confrontational approach taken by North Korea is designed to place pressure on the United States and South Korea to resume bilateral and Six Party Talks. Other observers believe that it reflects political manoeuvring and power plays within the North Korean regime itself following the news earlier this year of a possible leadership succession. Whatever the exact reasoning may be, such attacks by North Korea have the potential to spark an all-out war on the peninsula with dire implications for the peace and stability of the region as a whole.

Despite North Korea recently signalling its desire to hold talks to defuse the current tensions, it has yet to give any firm commitments on de-nuclearisation or to undertake real confidence building measures. Given past experience in dealing with the North Korean regime, it is understandable that South Korea, the United States and many in the international community are dubious about the North's motives in making this offer of talks.

The Korean peninsula is regularly discussed with our partners in the European Union and in our bilateral discussions with other countries. It was also discussed at the EU-South Korea summit held in Brussels during October last, with both sides agreeing to consult with each other on the best way to promote peace and stability on the peninsula. Although the EU is not directly involved in the Six Party Talks, it can play a positive role in the region.

The Government has condemned the attacks by North Korea and appealed for restraint. This message was also passed directly by a senior official at the Department of Foreign Affairs to the North Korean Ambassador at a meeting in Dublin last November. Despite the current state of inter-Korean relations, genuine dialogue remains the best option of securing lasting peace on the peninsula. Although it will be difficult, the necessary conditions for such talks to take place can be achieved if the relevant parties work together with this common goal in sight.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The general election in Bosnia-Herzegovina on 3 October saw gains for moderates in the Bosniak-Croat Federation, while the ruling party, the Alliance of Independent Social Democrats, did well in the Republika Srpska. Under Bosnia-Herzegovina's complex constitutional system - a legacy of the Dayton peace agreement - the government formation process can take some time. Talks are currently underway between political parties on the formation of a state-level government.

The pace of progress on necessary constitutional and political reforms in Bosnia-Herzegovina in recent years has been disappointing. It is important that the newly elected political leaders give fresh impetus to domestic reforms to ensure Bosnia-Herzegovina moves forward on its path towards the EU. The EU is ready to play its part by encouraging political leaders in Bosnia-Herzegovina to engage in constructive dialogue and by assisting with the reform process. However, the key to progress lies with the political parties themselves. The territorial integrity of the state of Bosnia-Herzegovina is a basic principle for the international community in its policy towards the Western Balkans. While the maintenance of territorial integrity is essentially a matter for domestic politicians, the international community and those with influence within the region have a special responsibility in this regard.

The General Affairs Council in December welcomed Bosnia-Herzegovina's recent steps towards improved regional cooperation and reconciliation. The Council noted Bosnia-Herzegovina's good progress related to visa liberalisation and encouraged the country to match this progress in other EU related reform areas. The Council welcomed the increased turnout and the orderly conduct of the 3 October general election and called on the newly elected leaders of the country to engage constructively in political dialogue in order to develop a shared vision on the future of the country and to anchor the EU agenda at the heart of their governments' programme. Ministers also reiterated the EU's unequivocal commitment to the European perspective of Bosnia-Herzegovina and reaffirmed its unequivocal commitment to the territorial integrity of Bosnia-Herzegovina as a sovereign and united country.

During his visit to Dublin last week, Serbian Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic was cautiously optimistic about developments in Bosnia-Herzegovina and in the Western Balkans more generally. He outlined the improvements which have taken place in Serbia's relations with Bosnia-Herzegovina in the past year. In particular he highlighted the significance of the declaration last March by the parliament of Serbia condemning the Srebrenica massacre. This was followed by a joint visit by the Serbian and Croatian Presidents to Bosnia-Herzegovina for the Srebrenica commemoration in July 2010.

It is vital that the newly elected political leaders engage constructively on making the necessary constitutional reforms to allow Bosnia-Herzegovina move forward on its path towards the EU. The improved relationships and important acts of reconciliation we have seen in the Western Balkans region should assist in this process.

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Polling in the referendum on self-determination for Southern Sudan which began on 9 January ended, as scheduled, on 15 January and counting of votes has now commenced. The authorities in Sudan, and the United Nations which provided logistical support, are to be commended for the way in which the referendum has been conducted. In its preliminary report, the EU Election Observation Mission has said the vote took place in a calm, peaceful and orderly environment. I salute the people of Southern Sudan for the patient and dignified manner in which they exercised their right to self-determination in the referendum.

Regrettably there were some deaths, but incidents of violence were isolated and did not overshadow the atmosphere of restraint and celebration which, overall, has characterised the referendum. While it will take some time before the final result is known, all indications point to a decision in favour of separation for Southern Sudan from the rest of Sudan. Encouragingly, the Southern Sudan Referendum Commission has indicated that the 60% threshold for turnout in the referendum required under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005 has been exceeded.

President Bashir and the Sudanese Government have indicated they will accept the outcome of the vote and this is to be warmly welcomed. So, too, are a number of positive developments which have taken place since the close of voting. In particular, tensions have been defused in the contested district of Abyei by an agreement between local leaders to provide secure passage for Southerners transiting the region from the North and to allow the annual pastoral migration of the Missiriya tribe. The call by the president of the Government of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir, for a spirit of forgiveness towards the North for the events of the civil war is also to be welcomed.

There are a number of challenges which remain to be addressed by the parties, North and South, in the period ahead, in particular how to resolve the status of Abyei, where a separate referendum was due to be held on 9 January. The African Union, through the efforts of its High level Panel chaired by former South African President Thabo Mbeki, is continuing its efforts to facilitate agreement on this issue as well as on a range of post-referendum issues including citizenship, border demarcation, and the division of oil revenues. The Comprehensive Peace Agreement provides for a transition period of six months in the event of an outcome in favour of separation and an intensification of political efforts on all sides is now required.

The weeks and months ahead will be crucial to the political process in Sudan and a spirit of collaboration on the part of the authorities in Khartoum and Juba will be necessary if agreement is to be reached on these issues. It is also essential that the international community maintain its support to both parties and to the people of North and South Sudan as they embark on a new future. The Foreign Affairs Council will have an opportunity to discuss how the EU can continue to contribute to this process when it meets in Brussels later this month.