Vol. 414 No. 5
5 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether his attention has been drawn to the views expressed by Germany and Italy on the recognition of Croatia and Slovenia before the end of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
34 Mr. Garland asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government will join the Governments of Italy and Germany in recognising the independence of Slovenia and Croatia before the end of the year, even if there is no agreement in the EC on the matter.
54 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs when Ireland will formally recognise Croatia.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 5, 34 and 54 together.
Ireland acknowledges the legitimate aspirations of Slovenia and Croatia to independence. It subscribes to the policy of the Twelve members of the Community that the independence of those republics in Yugoslavia wishing it should be envisaged in the framework of an overall settlement to the Yugoslav crisis that includes adequate guarantees for the protection of the human rights of national or ethnic groups. The efforts of the European Community and of the UN to bring about a negotiated settlement are continuing. These efforts and the prospects for the peace process will be reviewed by Foreign Ministers of the Twelve at a meeting next week at which the Twelve's policy on recognition is likely to arise. In this connection I believe it will be important to maintain the close cohesion that has characterised the Twelve's approach to the Yugoslav crisis to date.
I take it the Minister, like myself and most people in the country, is appalled at the awful attacks in Croatia, with Croatian towns and villages being pulverised by the federal forces there. Would he not agree that we as a small nation should have a special feeling for the Croats and that, even if we want to go along with the EC line, we should join those at the EC Council such as the Germans and Italians who are pushing for recognition of Croatia and Slovenia?
I can assure the Deputy that I too, like every Member of this House, have very great concern for the level of violence in Yugoslavia. The matter will be discussed by the Foreign Ministers of the Twelve at their meeting on Monday. Since the beginning of the crisis our aim, in conjunction with our partners in the Community, has been to assist in bringing about a comprehensive settlement of the Yugoslav crisis which will be acceptable to all. This is the prime consideration which should guide our approach through all aspects of the crisis, including that of recognition and independence of Slovenia and Croatia. In the present circumstances deferral of recognition would be more conducive to the search for a peaceful and durable solution and to the ability of the Twelve to contribute to its achievement.
While I would like to see an EC solution leading to recognition of Croatia and Slovenia, will the Minister tell the House what we as a country will do in the event that the Germans, Italians and some of the other member states independently recognise Slovenia and Croatia? Will Ireland row in with that or will we hang back?
I hope it will be possible for the Twelve to maintain a united approach to this question in the interests of promoting a general settlement, acceptable to all the parties in Yugoslavia. However, should the situation arise, I would have to consider the implications of recognition in the light of the circumstances pertaining at the time.
I urge the Minister to give recognition in that situation.
