Sorca Clarke (Longford-Westmeath, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

381. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the engagement he has had with the Myanmar National Unity Government since the European Parliament recognised it as the legitimate government of Myanmar; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6445/22]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland has repeatedly condemned the coup carried out by the Myanmar military and the attempts by the military to consolidate or legitimise its regime. We continue to call for a cessation of violence, the immediate and unconditional release of all those detained, including the President and State Counsellor, and the restoration of legitimate, civilian government.

Ireland’s practice is to recognise states and not governments. We do not therefore recognise specific governments in Myanmar or elsewhere.

As I have outlined in my previous statements on this matter, the election results of November 2020 and the sustained, large-scale popular opposition to the coup since 1 February demonstrate that the military have no mandate to govern Myanmar. The people of Myanmar have been resolute in rejecting the military coup. General Min Aung Hlaing’s self-appointment as Prime Minister is a clear attempt to normalise his position and does not reflect the democratic will of the people of Myanmar. Ireland has had no engagement or bilateral meeting with the Myanmar military.

Reflecting our core values, Ireland is committed to promoting a fair, just and more secure world. In contexts of conflict, we underline the importance of inclusion and engagement of key stakeholders in negotiating acceptable and sustainable solutions. Ireland acknowledges the Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw (CRPH) and the National Unity Government (NUG) as important stakeholders in Myanmar’s future, and encourages their involvement in discussions and negotiations to resolve the current crisis. Ireland has engaged with the NUG of Myanmar at official level from Ireland and through our Embassies in Bangkok and London, and via the Permanent Mission of Ireland to the United Nations in New York. We commend the NUG for facilitating greater representation from women, youth and ethnic-minority groups. Ireland recognises the critical contribution of women and youth to conflict prevention and resolution, as well as peacebuilding, in Myanmar.

Ireland stands with the people of Myanmar and will continue to work actively within the European Union, the United Nations, including through membership of the United Nations Security Council to support the people of Myanmar. We reiterate that the democratic will of the people must be respected for there to be lasting peace and stability in Myanmar.