Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 50: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the request of the British Government to allow the injured Iranian refugees in Camp Ashraf to avail of medical treatment here and the request that the Iraqi Government provide this treatment. [21989/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I have already expressed on a number of occasions my deep concern at reports of the use of force against Camp Ashraf residents in Iraq resulting in loss of life and serious injuries. The primary responsibility for the protection and human rights of all persons resident on its territory, including Camp Ashraf residents, rests with the government of Iraq. Ireland fully recognises Iraqi sovereignty over the whole of its territory, including Camp Ashraf, but this sovereignty also carries with it responsibilities. I therefore fully agree that the Iraqi authorities should either offer medical treatment to those seriously injured in Camp Ashraf or facilitate their treatment in another jurisdiction. I understand that the British government has not offered medical treatment to date and any such decision is a matter for that government. I would like 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.

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, and reiterate today, 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 or other violations of human rights are not the answer. 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 protect the human rights of the residents of Camp Ashraf (including ensuring the provision of all necessary medical treatment), to grant access to independent international observers, to show restraint, and to seek a peaceful and sustainable solution.