Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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420. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has discussed the general strike and mass demonstrations in French Guiana with the French authorities which has been organised against poor public services, the cost of living, mass unemployment and lack of investment in infrastructure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18318/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the situation to which the deputy refers. French Guiana is an overseas Department and region of France. The matters referred to are therefore internal issues for the French authorities and I do not propose to comment on them.

Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Solidarity)
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421. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views of the attempts by the President of Paraguay to extend his term and the movement of opposition to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18319/17]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am concerned at recent events in Paraguay, including violence in the capital Asuncion and attempts to burn down the Parliament Buildings.

The immediate cause of this violence was an attempt to introduce a referendum on an amendment to the Paraguayan constitution to permit President Horacio Cartes, and any previous President, including former President Fernando Lugo, to seek re-election for a second five year term.

While it is generally considered to be within democratic norms for a President to stand for a second term, the situation in Paraguay is unique due to historical sensitivities following the extended dictatorship of General Alfredo Stroessner (35 years) and the subsequent presidency of his son-in-law, General Rodriguez.

I am particularly concerned by reports of the police raid on the headquarters of the Liberal Party which resulted in the death of a young party member. I hope that this tragic incident will be urgently investigated.

I urge all sides in Paraguay to remain calm, desist from violence and seek a peaceful solution to this situation. I also urge the Government of Paraguay, the members of the Paraguayan Congress and Senate and the Supreme Court to ensure that any amendment to the national constitution is carried out in manner consistent with the rules and procedures set down to that end and that due attention be paid to the concerns of civil society and the public at large.

Paraguay has over the last ten years undertaken important reforms which have created the basis for economic growth. I hope that current political tensions will de-escalate and attention will focus once again on the future development of the State and the economy for the benefit of all its people.

While Ireland does not have a resident Embassy in Asuncion, the situation in Paraguay is being followed closely by the accredited Embassy in Buenos Aires.