Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 1

Written Answers. - Political Situation in Cambodia.

Máirín Quill

Question:

48 Miss Quill asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has satisfied himself that the United Nations is able and willing to deal with the activities of the Khmer Rouge in Cambodia; his views on whether, since November 1991, the Khmer Rouge have consistently failed to abide by the peace accords or to allow UN personnel free access and the freedom of movement to areas under their control; the action, if any, he intends to take with a view to attempting to influence the United Nations to intensify their efforts to ensure that the provisions of the peace accords are complied with.

Mary Flaherty

Question:

67 Miss Flaherty asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he raised the issue of Cambodia and the non-compliance of the Khmer Rouge with the UN peace plan with members of the UN Security Council prior to the Security Council meeting in February 1993; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Liz McManus

Question:

84 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the deteriorating situation in Cambodia which threatens the holding of a free and fair election in May 1993 as scheduled under the Peace Accords and to the failure of the Khmer Rouge to adhere to the conditions of the Peace Accords; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Paul Bradford

Question:

129 Mr. Bradford asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the political situation in Cambodia is continuing to deteriorate, and the possible return to power of the Khmer Rouge regime is seen and feared as a growing possibility by the vast majority of Cambodians; the steps, if any, he intends to take at United Nations level to ease this fear; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 48, 67, 84 and 129 together.

In the run-up to the constituent assembly elections in May the work of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) is entering its critical phase. In this period, the Irish Government will be following developments very closely. I believe that the UN peace plan being implemented by UNTAC is the way to a peaceful democratic Cambodia.

In view of the recent bloody and tragic history of Cambodia, no one could expect that the task of bringing an enduring peace to the country would be an easy one. The UN plan is being implemented and despite the outbreaks of violence which we strongly condemn, the plan has achieved considerable success particularly in the area of voter registration where 95 per cent of the population is now registered to vote in the May elections. This is a positive indicator of the people's wish to exercise a democratic right.

In the area of human rights, UNTAC has been fostering an environment in which respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms can be ensured and where free and fair elections can take place. UNTAC has also established its presence in the civil administration of the country and UNTAC's police component is now fully deployed throughout the country. Ireland, through members of the Garda Síochána, is making an important contribution to the police component. In addition, under UN auspices over 300,000 refugees and displaced persons have returned to Cambodia without any major incident.

The UN Secretary General is determined to see the elections held in accordance with UNTAC's mandate and he has the full support of the international community in this. The main obstacle to the full implementation of the UN plan has been the refusal of the Khmer Rouge to allow UNTAC deploy in areas it controls. This refusal has been condemned by the UN Security Council and by the international community, including Ireland. By their action the Khmer Rouge have put themselves outside the election process and outside participation in the government to be formed following the elections. Under a Security Council resolution UNTAC has recently taken new measures against the Khmer Rouge. The supply of petrol to areas they control has been restricted. UNTAC has also strengthened its border control system and its monitoring of compliance with UN provisions relating to the export of logs.

The question of Cambodia is discussed regularly with our partners in the European Community. A common Community approach exists and this is reflected in the policies of the three EC members of the Security Council.

The UN peace plan provides the essential framework for a better future for Cambodia and the elections are essential to its success. In spite of the difficulties and the intransigence of the Khmer Rouge, I believe the United Nations, and particularly the five permanent members of the Security Council, have demonstrated their commitment to ensuring that free and fair elections take place in May. The United Nations must not fail in the task now before it in Cambodia.