Patrick Nulty (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 89: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the serious political developments in Egypt. [37623/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Like many in the international community, Ireland has viewed with serious concern the widespread violence and deaths which has followed the resumption of pro-democracy demonstrations in Egypt in recent days. These events have highlighted the degree to which real reform and change has taken place in the country, following last February's historic downfall of the Mubarak regime. The situation will be discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at their meeting in Brussels on 1 December. Elections to Egypt's new parliament, an important milestone in Egypt's democratic transition, began as scheduled on 28 November and it is encouraging that these appear to have passed relatively peacefully and fairly. Ireland and the EU wholeheartedly support the Egyptian elections and emphasise the need for the process to comply with international standards. I further call upon the Egyptian government to allow international election monitors at future elections as Egypt continues its transition towards democracy.

While these elections are a vital step in the transition, it is clear that many in Egypt remain frustrated that the overthrow of former President Mubarak has not yet resulted in the installation of a fully civilian and democratically-elected government while widespread concern also exists over continuing violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms. Some partial steps to address these concerns have been taken by the ruling SCAF (Supreme Command of the Armed Forces), including bringing forward the date of the Presidential election to next June and the appointment of ex-prime minister Kamal Ganzouri on 24 November to form a new government. However, it is doubtful that these steps will be sufficient to meet the Egyptian protestors' legitimate demands. The SCAF and its head, Field Marshal Tantawi, must now seek a way forward based on a genuine and inclusive national dialogue that ensures the principles of democracy, human rights and fundamental freedoms. In particular, it must end anti-democratic provisions such as the thirty-year state of emergency and give a clear timetable for a transition to civilian rule.

There must also be a credible, independent investigation into the recent widespread violence which it is estimated has claimed over forty lives so far, with a view to determining precise causes and responsibility for the deaths and escalation of violence. I fully support the recent statements by EU High Representative Ashton, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and Arab League Secretary General al-Araby expressing grave concern and condemnation of the violence and calling for calm, restraint and progress in the transition to democratic rule. I also support the recent statement of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights which expresses alarm at the degree of violence and deterioration of the freedoms of peaceful assembly and association which have led to loss of life in Egypt.