asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is proposed to recognise the Saharan Arab Democratic Republic; the measures Ireland is taking at the United Nations to end the current occupation of the territory of the Saharan Arab Democratic Republic by Morocco; and the progress he envisages in talks that might lead to the end of the war against the Saharoui people.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Saharan Arab Democratic Republic.
12.
Ireland has strongly and consistently supported the implementation of the principle of self-determination in respect of the Western Sahara. We have not, however, recognised the Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic as an independent state. It is our established practice to recognise states rather than governments. Furthermore, it has not been our practice to give formal recognition to liberation movements or similar bodies which would involve ascribing to them the actual status of a government. We are not, therefore, in a position to recognise an independent state in the Western Sahara before the Saharawi people themselves have decided the issue of self-determination through a referendum.
Our efforts at the United Nations have been directed towards a peaceful settlement and in this context we supported the guidelines of the OAU as set out in a General Assembly Resolution adopted by consensus in 1983. Together with our partners in the Twelve we have continued to encourage a consensus approach which, in our view, is most likely to assist progress towards a solution. We have also supported fully the efforts of the Secretary General to work out a basis for agreement between the parties involved. These efforts are continuing and it is our earnest hope that they will prove to be fruitful.
The Deputy is aware that, as a measure of Irish concern at the human suffering resulting from the conflict, Ireland has contributed to the provision of food and educational supplies for the relief of refugees from the region.