asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government has condemned the murder of the Palestinian leader Abu Jihad, Khalil el-Wazir, in Tunisia on 16 April 1988; if he has made or plans to make any protest to the Israeli authorities regarding the killing; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Murder of Palestinian Leaders.
13.
The Security Council in Resolution 611 adopted on 25 April expressed the condemnation of the international community at the act of aggression perpetrated against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Tunisia in flagrant violation of the United Nations charter and the norms of international law.
The Government fully share the position expressed in this resolution in relation to the events which took place in Tunisia on 16 April. We deeply regret and deplore the loss of life which ensued, including in particular the assassination of Mr. Khalil el Wazir. In our view such acts constitute a serious threat to peace and security and further impede the search for a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East.
Before the Taoiseach's statement today did the Government issue any similar kind of statement? Will the Taoiseach accept that as far as the Palestinian people are concerned this man was regarded in the same way as we would regard a Deputy Prime Minister and for that reason it is important that the Government on behalf of the Irish people should make it clear that they utterly condemn this kind of State terrorism?
As I told the Deputy, the United Nations have done that for the international community. I am supporting that here in my reply.
I welcome that, but in the past the practice has been that where a head of State or a Prime Minister or Deputy Prime Minister has been killed the Irish Government have also independently made their views known with regard to these matters.
The matter should not lead to argument. Question No. 14, Deputy Enda Kenny.