Written answers

Tuesday, 21 June 2011

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Foreign Conflicts

9:00 pm

Photo of Olivia MitchellOlivia Mitchell (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Question 66: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the ambassador or any representative of the Israeli embassy has made contact with him or his Department as part of their international diplomatic offensive seeking rejection of the Palestinian attempt at the UN to receive recognition of a Palestinian State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16402/11]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Both the Israeli and Palestinian authorities have made known their views on the possibility of Palestinian action at the UN in September related to recognition of a Palestinian state. This has taken the form of copies of statements or arguments on the issues, political or technical, and transmitted via their Missions here in Dublin or our own Missions in Tel Aviv and Ramallah. I would characterise such contacts however as entirely normal and not out of the ordinary. As I have stated in answer to previous Questions, i f the issue of recognition arises at the United Nations in the autumn, the Government will consider Ireland's response very carefully. We will take into account factors such as Ireland's long-standing support for the achievement of a Palestinian State, the exact terms and nature of what may be proposed, the positions of EU partners and other friends, the progress on the wider peace process, and our assessment of the practical impact of any such decision.

It is certainly my view that there should be a State of Palestine, and very soon.

Photo of Pádraig Mac LochlainnPádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)
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Question 67: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will reiterate Ireland's call for an independent investigation into human rights abuses, primarily committed by the Sri Lankan military in the final weeks of the Sri Lankan civil war, following the airing of a documentary (details supplied) on Tuesday, 14 June 2011. [16403/11]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland fully supports the UN Panel of Experts recommendation for the establishment of an independent international mechanism to investigate the allegations of human rights violations by both the Sri Lankan military and the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in the closing stages of the war. The content of the documentary referred to by the Deputy underlines, once again, the importance of addressing the crimes of the past as part of a process of national dialogue and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. At European Union level, a statement by High Representative Ashton on the 10 May also called for an inquiry into the allegations of misconduct by both sides to the conflict. As we know from past experience, such an investigation could make an important contribution to building lasting peace and stability in Sri Lanka. Officials from my Department have conveyed this point to the Sri Lankan authorities and as recently as last week re-iterated this at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

The promotion of human rights is a key element of the Government's foreign policy towards Sri Lanka. Ireland played an active part in the European Union decision to suspend duty free access which was granted to Sri Lankan exports under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP plus) after the Sri Lankan Government failed to deliver written undertakings on human rights conventions dealing with torture, children's rights and political rights.

The international community can play an important role in facilitating dialogue and reconciliation in Sri Lanka. I would again urge the government in Colombo to co-operate fully with the UN and address the recommendations made by the Panel of Experts.

Photo of John O'MahonyJohn O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 68: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 36 innocent Iranian citizens were killed and 350 were wounded, of whom eight were women, by Iraqi forces on 8 April 2011 at the camp Ashraf enclave in Iraq because of the withdrawal of US military protection; if he will raise the possibility at the next EU Council meeting of a United Nations presence at the camp in order to avoid further bloodshed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16458/11]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I have made clear in answer to previous questions my deep concern at recent reports of the use of force against Camp Ashraf residents in Iraq and the resulting loss of life. I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate that 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 view widely held within the Council 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. However, I note that there is also no agreement as yet with the US or the UN on the future of the camp, nor any agreement as yet on the idea of the UN assuming responsibility for its protection. HR Ashton made clear at the FAC last month that more consideration was needed on what is a complex issue and a further discussion may take place at a forthcoming Foreign Affairs Council, which we would obviously welcome.

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.

Along with our EU partners, Ireland will continue to support clear messages to the Iraqi authorities that while there are no easy remedies to the situation in Camp Ashraf, force is not the answer. Iran'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 also. The Iraqi government must accept full responsibility for ensuring the protection of all those persons 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.

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