Vol. 430 No. 4
71 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will propose that the United Nations should impose the same sanctions on Croatia as are currently imposed on Serbia and Montenegro in response to Croatian attacks on Bosnia and the apparent collusion of Croatia with the Serbs in carving up Bosnia between them.
Ireland supports the continuing application of the general and complete embargo on all deliveries of weapons and military equipment which was adopted by the UN Security Council in its Resolution 713 of 25 September 1991. This applies equally to Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro and the other former Yugoslavia Republics.
The Government is seriously concerned about the attacks by Bosnian Croat paramilitary units against Muslim communities in central Bosnia and all attempts to secure political and territorial advantage by use of force. President Tudjman has been informed that the European Community and its member states deplore the fighting between Croats and Muslims. It was made clear by the EC Presidency at the time of the informal meeting of Foreign Ministers at Hindsgavl that the Community would find it impossible to proceed with negotiations on a Co-operation Agreement with Croatia in such circumstances. The Twelve have urged President Tudjman to exercise his influence fully to bring an end to these hostilities. The UN Security Council has also strongly condemned this outbreak of violence.
72 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government has had, or intends to establish, contacts with peace groups working in former Yugoslavia.
The Government appreciate the excellent work for peace which is being carried out by many peace groups in former Yugoslavia and fully support these endeavours. Useful contacts were made with a number of groups in the course of Ireland's involvement in the EC Investigative Mission into the rape of Muslim women. Meetings of international organisations on human rights issues are availed of to develop contacts with such groups. We are also supportive of the role being played by Amnesty International which maintains extensive contacts with these groups.
The Government will continue to use all available opportunities to develop contacts with groups engaged in the search for peace.
