Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 13 Mar 1991

Vol. 406 No. 4

Written Answers. - Cambodia Situation.

Dick Spring

Question:

93 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to (1) the scale of the continuing conflict in Cambodia and (2) the fact that the UN currently holds $48.5 million for development in Cambodia; the steps which are being taken to alleviate the plight of the people there; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

I am deeply conscious of the continuing conflict in Cambodia and the human cost which the hostilities are exacting from the Cambodian people. Deputies will be aware that I have repeatedly called on the Cambodian parties to cease hostilities, most recently in my statements of 31 October and 6 December 1990 to the Dáil. Such a ceasefire would, in my view, greatly facilitate the successful implementation of the UN plan for a comprehensive settlement of the Cambodian conflict. I urge the Cambodian parties to demonstrate flexibility and compromise in order that the UN plan can be implemented at the earliest possible time. The Cambodian people have suffered for too long and must be given the opportunity to live their lives in peace, free from the spectre of appalling violence and terror.

I am aware that the United Nations Development Programme has accumulated funds for development in Cambodia. The UNDP can co-operate only with governments recognised by the United Nations. The administration in Phnom Penh, which was installed by the occupying Vietnamese, is not so recognised.

As I stated in my reply to a similar question on 30 January last, both the UN and the EC continue to provide humanitarian aid to the Cambodian people. The UN aid is mainly concentrated on refugees from the conflict and channelled through UNBRO, the United Nations Border Relief Operation. This agency receives about $60 million per annum.

The latest figures on Community aid show that in 1990, 8.82 MECU was given in humanitarian aid for refugees on the Thai-Cambodian border. In addition, 2.67 MECU was provided to non-governmental organisations for emergency relief within the country (1.3 ECU = £1 approximately).

In September 1990, Ireland provided £25,000 to OXFAM for purchase of shelter kits for use by people displaced by fighting within Cambodia. In November 1989, £50,000 was given to CONCERN for emergency aid supplies. These contributions were designed to assist in alleviating the immediate plight of the Cambodian people.

The European Community has indicated its willingness, on the achievement of a political settlement, to contribute to the reconstruction and development of Cambodia. I can again assure Deputies that such assistance will have the full support of the Government.