Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 68: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on an alleged massacre in Camp Ashraf of Iranian dissidents; if there are any plans by the UN and EU to assume protection of Ashraf and to station an independent monitoring team there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14583/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware from my reply to Question No. 32 of 14 April 2011, I am deeply concerned at recent reports of the use of force against Camp Ashraf residents in Iraq and the resulting loss of life. Ireland and the EU are determined to seek a long-term and peaceful solution to the predicament of the residents of Camp Ashraf. The EU Foreign Affairs Council discussed the situation at Camp Ashraf on 23 May, emphasising the need to respect human rights. I fully support the Council's view that we must work with the UN (including the UN High Commissioner for Refugees) and US in particular, to seek a lasting resolution to this situation.

As you will be aware, Ireland does not have a resident Embassy in Iraq. However, HR Ashton has clearly set out the EU position, including a strong condemnation of the recent violence in Camp Ashraf, and has conveyed this position in writing and by telephone to Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari. I particularly endorse HR Ashton's renewal of the EU's repeated call on the Iraqi government to refrain from the use of violence and to show full respect for the human rights of Camp Ashraf's residents. I also strongly support her call for a thorough and independent inquiry into the events of 8 April.

While there are no easy remedies to the situation in Camp Ashraf, force is not the answer. Iraq's sovereignty should be respected over the entire territory of Iraq, including in Camp Ashraf, but the human rights of residents of Camp Ashraf must be respected too and the Iraqi government must accept full responsibility for ensuring the protection of all those resident on its territory. In actively seeking a solution, Ireland and its EU partners will continue to work with international institutions and partners, while calling upon the Iraqi government to grant access to independent international observers, to show restraint and to seek a peaceful and sustainable solution.