Vol. 325 No. 4
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he is aware of the large number of murders, the systematic torture and the outrageous breaches of human rights being perpetrated by the security forces of the Government of El Salvador; and whether he will voice our concern and exert pressure through the EEC and UN against the continued support of the United States for this repressive regime.
16.
asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he intends taking through the UN or other channels regarding the military regime in El Salvador; and whether he will make representations to the US Government seeking an end to the military and other forms of aid granted by them to El Salvador.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 15 and 16 together.
The Deputies may wish to be aware that a resolution calling for human rights and fundamental freedoms in El Salvador was adopted in the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, on 3 December. I feel that the adoption of this resolution will serve to focus international attention on the appalling situation prevailing in that country. I can assure the Deputies that our delegation at the UN played a major part in the informal discussions on the drafting of this resolution and that we supported its adoption. I would like to avail of this opportunity to express the abhorrence of the Government at the most recent atrocity committed in El Salvador and to extend sympathy to the Irish relatives and friends of the murdered sisters.
I take the opportunity of joining that expression of sympathy. With respect the Minister does not appear to have dealt with the main part of my question, which was also mentioned in Deputy Dr. Browne's question, the position in relation to the continued US support for the junta. I understand that that support was suspended in the last week but not totally stopped. Bearing in mind that 9,000 people have died there over the past year, would the Minister voice our view to the Americans that all aid to the repressive junta in El Salvador should be stopped?
The American authorities are well aware of our approach in this matter. Our delegation at the United Nations took an active part in the preparation of the resolution which was successful, although the US Government opposed it. A strong resolution was adopted by the UN and our delegation played an honourable part in the preparation of the draft resolution eventually adopted.
Even at this late stage would the Minister put on the record of the House his support for those who feel that American aid to this junta should be permanently withdrawn?
Hear, hear.
We are totally opposed to the regime in El Salvador and every aspect of support for it. I can assure the Deputy of that fact which is well known in the forum where it counts, the United Nations. We were successful in having a resolution passed at the UN on 3 December.
Is it not a fact that American guns are being used to kill American citizens frequently in that country? Does the Minister feel that the new position of our Government having a place on the Security Council means that we can bring more pressure on the US to alter its attitude in respect of that appalling regime? Does the Minister believe he is likely to make any greater impression now that Ireland is a member of the Security Council?
I do not think that currently we can make a stronger impression than the one we were helpful in achieving last week by getting a resolution passed by the General Assembly.
Do they take any notice at all?
As the Deputy is aware, one can only exercise that type of moral pressure within the UN. We do not have any big guns at our disposal.
Noting the Minister's reluctance to approach the American Government directly on this subject, which I deplore, I should like to ask him how the other members of the Community voted on this issue?
I do not have a list of how other countries voted but I will get the information for the Deputy. The vote was successful and we were one of the main countries involved in preparing a draft that would be successful. As the Deputy is aware, that is important at the UN. I will find out how our EEC partners voted.
I am glad we played that role and it is important for the honour of the country that we did so, but I urge the Minister to establish whether the other Community countries did likewise. Frankly, I have some doubts, although I do not have the facts. If there was not a concerted Community view will the Minister at the next European co-operation meeting take this matter up to secure a concerted Community view and ensure that no member state diverges from this approach or gives support to the junta?
The resolution was adopted only last week and I do not have the precise information to hand. I will get it and furnish it to the Deputy. I have already raised the question of El Salvador at meetings on European co-operation and I will continue to raise it. I share the view of abhorrence that has been expressed here.
What was the reaction when the Minister raised it at a meeting on European co-operation.
That is another day's work.
