Vol. 420 No. 3
5 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the steps taken to bring home to the authorities in Thailand our deep concern because of the killings and violence there; and if he will outline the measures taken to encourage a return to democracy.
14 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to convey the concerns of the Irish people to the Thai regime for the undemocratic and violent activities of its military towards pro-democracy activities in Bangkok; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
39 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the Thai Government's flagrant human rights abuses, he will outline any specific plans he has to introduce sanctions against the Thai Government; and if he will provide a timetable for these sanctions' implementation.
45 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the protests, if any, which have been lodged with the Thai authorities regarding the killing by security forces of more than 40 civilian demonstrators in Bangkok; if the Government intend to raise the matter at the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 5, 14, 39 and 45 together.
The Thai army's violent suppression last week of the peaceful protestors in Bangkok who were calling for the resignation of General Suchinda from the office of Prime Minister was a flagrant abuse of human rights. This brutal military response to legitimate and peaceful protest is unacceptable in any modern society and extensive television coverage of these events brought a reaction from around the world. Ireland joined with our partners in the European Community to condemn the actions of the Thai military authorities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday last we expressed our great concern at the tragic events in Thailand; we condemned the use of force by the military against unarmed civilians; we urged the Thai authorities to refrain from further violence and appealed for maximum restraint by all parties involved in the events. We also called for a peaceful and democratic solution to the problems in Thailand as well as full respect for human rights.
The unprecedented public appeal by the King Bhumibol of Thailand to General Suchinda and to the leader of the protestors, Mr. Chamlong, to resolve their political differences in parliament by constitutional means defused the crisis. An amnesty was declared for all those arrested for taking part in demonstrations. Mr. Chamlong asked the people of Bangkok to remain calm and to take no further part in demonstrations.
The resignation of General Suchinda from the office of Prime Minister over the weekend has eased tension in Bangkok. Parliament is due to meet this week to address the question of reform. In this atmosphere of calm I would hope that the political crisis in Thailand can be resolved in a peaceful and democratic manner.
Human rights abuses, no matter where they occur, are of particular concern to us in Ireland and to our partners in the European Community.
We will continue to follow developments in Thailand closely. In addition, we will not fail to express our deep concerns at the human rights situation there and, in consultation with our partners, consider other appropriate action, should the need arise.
I am sure the Minister will join me in congratulating the King on his successful intervention in defusing the immediate crisis. Would the Minister agree that there is need for continuing monitoring of the position there until such time as the constitutional reforms have been put in place which, hopefully will encourage a fuller democratic system to prevail in that country?
As I have said in replying already, we will certainly continue to follow developments in Thailand very closely. In conjunction with our partners in the European Community we have issued very strong statements about the position there. We are at present hopeful that the talks in parliament there this week can find a constitutional means to resolve what was a very threatening and dangerous position.
