Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 10 Jun 1993

Vol. 432 No. 2

Written Answers. - UN Truth Commission on El Salvador.

Nora Owen

Question:

17 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will express his concern to the Government of El Salvador at the absolute and unconditional amnesty granted by the legislative assembly before the full implementation of the recommendations of the Commission on the Truth.

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

36 Mr. Gilmore asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has considered the findings of the UN Truth Commission on El Salvador, which found evidence of widespread abuses by members of the army and security forces, including evidence of their involvement in the murders of Archbishop Romero and six Jesuit priests; if he will support the call for the establishment of an international tribunal to try those accused of these crimes; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17 and 36 together.

I have studied the findings of the UN Truth Commission on El Salvador and I recently had the opportunity to discuss its recommendations with the Director of the human Rights Office of the Catholic Archdiocese of San Salvador. I consider the Truth Commission to be an integral part of the Peace Accords and I am concened to see its recommendations fully implemented. In this connection I am deeply disturbed by the Amnesty Bill adopted in El Salvador which offers unconditional amnesty to all those involved in human rights violations and abuses during the conflict in that country.

These concerns which are shared by partners in the Twelve have been communicated to the authorities in El Salvador. The UN Security Council and the UN Secretary General have also indicated their concern and have emphasised the importance of the full implementation of the Truth Commissions recommendations.

Most recently the UN Security Council in adopting resolution 832 on 27 May 1993, which renews the mandate of the UN Observer Mission in El Salvador called, once again, on all parties to implement fully all their commitments under the Peace Accords and to exercise moderation and restraint especially in the former zones of conflict. Within the Community we are currently examining what steps can be taken to bring about the full implementation of the Truth Commission's recommendations and have offered our full support to the UN Secretary General for his efforts in this regard.

I see great merit in the proposal for the establishment of an international tribunal to try those accused of the type of crimes which have been witnessed in El Salvador. The experience of Yugoslavia has led me to the view that there is a need for a permanent tribunal which could deal with abuses of this kind wherever they occur.