Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 6 Dec 1990

Vol. 403 No. 6

Written Answers. - Initiatives on Cambodia.

Mary Flaherty

Question:

18 Miss Flaherty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to recent reports on the deteriorating situation in Cambodia; if so, if he will outline the measures which will be taken by Ireland and the EC to prevent the collapse of the Phnom Pehn Government and the possible return of the Khmer Rouge to power.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

27 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that the Khmer Rouge forces can be restrained so as to enable the most recent peace initiatives to take effect in Cambodia; if he will indicate the reason Ireland is not giving assistance to the Cambodian Government at this time; and his views on whether there is a likelihood of Pol Pot returning to power.

Roger T. Garland

Question:

30 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the reason Ireland abstained in the vote at the United Nations regarding the legitimate government of Cambodia; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Jim Mitchell

Question:

38 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the up to date position on the situation on negotiations between the parties of Cambodia and the seating arrangements at the United Nations, further to his statement in Dáil Éireann on 31 October 1990.

Nora Owen

Question:

44 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the outrage felt by many Irish people who watched a television programme (details supplied) concerning Cambodia; whether he saw the documentary; and if he will make a statement on its contents.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 27, 30, 38 and 44 together.

Deputies will recall my comprehensive statement to the Dáil on 31 October on the situation in Cambodia. In that statement I gave a full account of developments with regard to the ongoing negotiations for peace in Cambodia and particularly those relating to the framework for a settlement agreed by the Five Permanent Members of the United Nations Security Council. I indicated that resolutions on the framework plan had been adopted by consensus both by the Security Council and the General Assembly in September and October respectively, which were very welcome and positive developments. I also restated the central elements of Government policy on Cambodia including the situation in relation to aid for Cambodia and our wish to ensure that there be no return to power of the murderous Pol Pot Khmer Rouge.

Since my statement of 31 October, there have been further developments. On 9-10 November in Jakarta, a working group meeting was convened by the two co-chairman of the Paris International Conference on Cambodia, France and Indonesia. That meeting reached consensus on a draft comprehensive political settlement developed directly from the framework agreement. It is envisaged that this draft agreement could, after consideration by the co-ordinating committee of the Paris conference, be submitted for adoption by a fully reconvened Paris conference.

The Five Permanent Members of the Security Council met in Paris from 23-26 November. The Five reviewed the positive results of the November Jakarta meeting and approved the draft agreed at that meeting. The Five also reiterated the urgent need for the Cambodians themselves to contribute to the peace process by reaching final agreement on the composition of the Supreme National Council, so as to enable the Paris conference to be reconvened.

The difficulties surrounding the chairmanship of the Supreme National Council, which I adverted to in my statement of 31 October, have not yet been resolved. There is an urgent and compelling need for the Cambodian parties to resolve their differences in a spirit of flexibility and compromise. The considerable efforts of the international community to bring peace to Cambodia must be paralleled by a corresponding commitment by the Cambodians themselves. Mutual recrimination and condemnation is a sterile exercise, all the more so as the ordinary people of Cambodia continue to suffer greatly from the effects of the ongoing conflict. I call on the Cambodian parties to reach early and definitive agreement on the composition of the Supreme National Council.

Deputies will, I know, understand that I cannot enter into a discussion of television programmes on international issues, although I am very aware of the constructive role the media can play in heightening public awareness of the Cambodian tragedy. I remain deeply conscious of the strong public interest in Cambodia and the desire of the Irish people to see peace and justice prevail there. I share this desire.

I continue to be hopeful that the Paris International Conference on Cambodia will be reconvened as soon as possible, in order that final agreement can be reached on a comprehensive settlement. I call, once again, on all the Cambodian parties to cease hostilities in order to create the necessary environment to facilitate progress towards a political settlement. We must not allow the positive momentum for peace to dissipate. I will continue to do everything in my power to promote the cause of peace and reconciliation in Cambodia.