Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 23 Mar 1993

Vol. 428 No. 1

Written Answers. - Diplomatic Relations with Former Yugoslavia.

Mary Harney

Question:

66 Miss Harney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the state of diplomatic relations between Ireland and the components of the former State of Yugoslavia; and if, in particular he will give details of the status and nature of our diplomatic relations with Slovenia, Croatia, the Government of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia and with Serbia, Montenegro and/or Yugoslavia; the nature of diplomatic contacts between Ireland and these States; by whom consular services there are currently performed; and the plans, if any, he has for future diplomatic representation in the former Yugoslavia.

Pat Cox

Question:

76 Mr. Cox asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether Ireland proposes to recognise the Republic of Macedonia; and whether he will make a statement on the matter.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I propose taking Questions Nos. 66 and 76 together.

Ireland has recognised Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina as sovereign, independent states. The further steps of establishing formal diplomatic relations with these countries would have to be agreed in each case with the Government concerned and it would not be appropriate for me to comment publicly in advance of such agreement.

Ireland nevertheless maintains good working contacts in practice with those former Yugoslav Republics which it has recognised. Such contacts take place regularly at the United Nations and the CSCE. The Taoiseach met the President of the Government of Slovenia in July 1992. In addition, and in the context of the efforts to bring about a settlement of the Yugoslav crisis, the EC Presidency maintains intensive contact at the diplomatic level on behalf of the EC and its member states, with the Governments of all of the Republics of the former Yugoslavia.

Ireland has not recognised and, therefore, could not have diplomatic relations with the federal entity of Serbia and Montenegro. Any bilateral contacts with representatives of the federal entity are used to stress the imperative need for an end to the fighting in Bosnia and for full co-operation by Serbia and Montenegro with the peace process.

I set out our attitude to the recognition of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia in replies to questions on 10 February and 23 February. Ireland has made clear its readiness to recognise that Republic, but in a manner which will avoid creating a further area of tension and potential conflict in the Balkans. In this regard, I fully support the ongoing negotiations to secure agreement on the admission of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia to the UN under an interim name.

While our relations at the bilateral level with this Republic are not intense, a close working relationship has developed between it and the European Community. This facilitates, for example, the provision of EC technical and financial assistance. Such contacts also help to reduce the dangers of spillover of the conflict.

Although arrangements for the consular protection of Irish citizens in the former Yugoslavia have not been formalised, assistance in emergency cases is available from other Community member states represented in the region. This reflects the growing co-operation among member states in the consular field.