asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives he has taken to ensure the safety of Irish citizens in that part of Uganda still occupied by the forces of former President Amin and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Irish Citizens in Uganda.
6.
We do not have diplomatic representation in Uganda but my Department are endeavouring, of course, to the extent possible, to keep abreast of the situation in that country as it develops. In regard to our citizens there the position is being carefully watched with a view to emergency arrangements should the need arise.
Would the Government be prepared to recognise the new regime in Uganda?
That matter is under consideration at present. Ireland has indicated to the new Ugandan authority, through the Ugandan Embassy in Paris, its desire to have close and friendly relations with the new authority there. What the Deputy suggests will follow logically as a result of the overtures made by the Irish Government. I thank the Deputy for his constructive question.
What Government is recognised by this country as the legitimate Government in Uganda?
I indicated very clearly in my reply that we have initiated discussions, made overtures and indicated to the new Ugandan authorities through the embassy in Paris, that we wish to have close and friendly relations with them. That of course will lead to the formal recognition by Ireland of the new Government.
I am asking a straight question and hope the Minister will be able to give an equally straight answer. What Government is now recognised by Ireland as the legitimate Government of Uganda?
The authorities who are in effective control in Uganda. The new Ugandan Government under the leadership of President Yusus Lule was established following the capture of Kampala by the Ugandan National Liberation Front, with the support of the Tanzanian forces on 11 April. This Government have already been formally recognised by a number of States, including Britain, the United States and Canada. The British Government have already re-established diplomatic relations. We have made the required overtures and contacts and have had discussions with the new authorities——
But we have not yet recognised the Government?
We are proceeding to that end. I thought I made that clear in my reply to Deputy Byrne.
I want to ask about the safety of Irish citizens in Uganda. How many Irish people are there and are the Government satisfied that they are safe?
We are in control of that situation.
How many Irish people are in Uganda?
We do not have the precise number. The only known victims so far were two Italian priests and two Italian missionaries who are reported to have lost their lives. There was no question of any Irish people being in any danger. We are maintaining close contact with the authorities and this will lead to formal diplomatic recognition of the new regime in the very near future.