Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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451. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will raise the issue of the United States of America's backing of Mr. Ledezma in the Venezuela elections at European Union and United Nations level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10256/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Mid-term legislative elections are due in Venezuela later this year. It is essential that the elections be held in a manner that is free and fair in accordance with international standards and, in particular, that the fundamental rights of all persons, including the right to freedom of expression, of assembly and of association be protected and upheld. I have already expressed my concerns at the situation in Venezuela including as regards the increasing levels of tension and the polarisation of opinion there.

As noted earlier, I share the concerns expressed by EU High Representative Mogherini and by her predecessor, Catherine Ashton, at the detention of political figures and students. Together with the deaths and casualties arising from the current unrest, these require full, impartial investigation in accordance with due legal process. In this connection, the recent arrest of the democratically elected Mayor of Caracas, Antonio Ledezma, is deeply troubling, as are the reports regarding other imprisoned opposition leaders and students. The accusations against Mayor Ledezma and the others should be investigated swiftly and impartially with full respect for the rights of the accused.

I renew my call for all parties, including government, opposition, students and civil society, to work together in seeking, through peaceful dialogue, a consensus for overcoming Venezuela’s current difficulties. Regional organisations, and Venezuela’s neighbours, are in a position to assist and I encourage all concerned to engage in this important matter.

We will continue to monitor the situation in Venezuela through our Embassy at Mexico City and in co-ordination with our EU partners.

Ruth Coppinger (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
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452. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the murder of the Russian opposition political leader, Mr. Boris Nemstov; his further views on the political situation in the Russian Federation following Mr Nemestov's death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10274/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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It was with shock and disbelief that I learned of the brutal and cowardly murder of the leading Russian opposition figure Boris Nemtsov in central Moscow. I am deeply saddened by his death, and have extended my sympathy to his family.

Mr. Nemtsov was a courageous champion of democratic reforms who fought tirelessly for a more open and tolerant Russia. His loss will be deeply felt not just in Russia, but around the world.

The high esteem in which many Russians held Mr. Nemtsov was evident in the large crowds that attended a vigil in his honour on 1 March and his memorial service two days later, at which Ireland was represented by our Ambassador to Russia. Tens of thousands of people across a wide range of political parties and movements turned out to mourn his loss and pay tribute to his legacy as a fearless reformer who was not afraid to speak out against the direction that Russia was taking and the policies being pursued.

Mr. Nemtsov's murder highlights the vulnerability of opposition figures in Russia at the present time, where any criticism of government policy is seen by some as an act of disloyalty. He had been a vocal critic of Russia’s actions against Ukraine. Indeed, the vigil held for Mr. Nemtsov replaced an opposition demonstration which he had been instrumental in organising to protest against the economic crisis and Russia’s role in the destabilisation of Ukraine.

President Putin has condemned the killing, and his spokesperson announced that the President had written to Mr. Nemtsov’s mother promising that he would personally oversee the investigation into her son’s murder.

It is crucial that the Russian authorities promptly conduct a full and transparent investigation into his killing and that the perpetrators of this callous crime are brought to justice. A culture of impunity must not be allowed to develop in Russia.

It is also important that the rights to freedom of assembly and expression that Mr. Nemtsov fought to defend are recognised and fully protected, and that his fearless calls for reform and tolerance, echoed by those who mourn him, are heard and heeded.

Recent developments in Russia in terms of political pluralism, the role of civil society and civil liberties have certainly been disappointing. Although our perspectives may sometimes differ, it is important that we should continue to engage with Russia on these key issues.