asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the recent kidnappings and seizure of diplomatic hostages have given rise to discussions between the international community regarding preventative or counter measures and if not, if he will initiate such discussions.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Kidnappings of Diplomatic Personnel.
26.
I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this question. The international community have been concerned for some time about the increase in acts of kidnapping and seizure of diplomatic hostages. Under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations 1961 which came into force on 24 April 1964 and to which Ireland is a party, States are obliged to protect diplomats on their territory and to take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on their persons, freedom or dignity. States are also obliged to take all appropriate steps to protect diplomatic missions and the private residences of diplomats against any intrusion or damage. The most recent kidnappings and seizures of diplomats as hostages in Iran and in Colombia are a source of very great concern to all Governments, including the Irish Government. There have not, to my knowledge, been any discussions specifically occasioned by recent events, on preventative or counter measures but the international community have in recent years given considerable attention to the question. In particular, the United Nations has recently adopted two international conventions of relevance in this context. The more recent of these, the international Convention against the Taking of Hostages, was drawn up pursuant to a resolution adopted in December 1976 whereby the General Assembly of the United Nations recognised that the taking of hostages is an act which endangers innocent human lives and violates human dignity. Ireland was a co-sponsor of this resolution. The International Convention Against the Taking of Hostages was adopted by the UN last December. The convention provides for the trial or extradition of persons who take hostages and obliges the State in whose territory a hostage is held to take all measures it considers appropriate to ease the situation of the hostage and, in particular, to secure his release. My Department are, at present, in consultation with the other Departments concerned, examining the question of what legislation would be required with a view to signature and ratification of the convention as soon as possible.
The UN had already adopted, in 1973, a Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Crimes Against Internationally Protected Persons, including Diplomatic Agents. This convention establishes norms for the protection of diplomatic agents and provides for the prosecution or extradition of offenders. Legislation would be required to enable Ireland comply with the obligations of this convention and I hope that we will be in a position to accede to it after this legislation has been prepared by the relevant Departments.
In view of the fact that this type of terrorist activity seems to have superseded the highjacking of aircraft in international terrorism, does the Minister accept that there is now need for some form of international initiative to try and put a stop to this carry-on?
The UN have been active in the preparation of conventions to deal with the problem. It is a matter for each state to adopt or adapt the particular convention for its requirements. That requires legislation. I will expedite the legislation that is necessary which is in the course of preparation.
When does the Minister expect to have it?
I could not say that. I will ascertain when it is expected and will communicate with the Deputy.
In the international field, through the EEC or otherwise, does the Minister see scope for any further initiative?
No. The UN are up to the mark in the matter. They have adopted the appropriate conventions, one as recently as last December.
When a person in Belfast who had been kidnapped about three months ago was found murdered what expression of sympathy did the Minister make to the family of that person?
That is a separate question.
That is separate from this.
What is separate about it? If the person had been kidnapped in Cork would the Minister have taken action? Is this an example of the Minister's hypocrisy?