Trevor Sargent
Question:20 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised the issue of human rights abuses by the Mexican army in response to the Chiapan rebellion with the Mexican Government.
Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.
As the Deputy is aware the Taoiseach visited Mexico in January of this year. In the course of his visit the Taoiseach met with President Salinas and raised the question of the Chiapas uprising during the course of their discussions.
President Salinas outlined the action he had taken to resolve the conflict that had arisen in Chiapas. The Taoiseach sympathised with the Government and the people of Mexico on the loss of life on both sides which this situation had caused and expressed concern to learn how the underlying problems might be dealt with. He expressed the hope that a negotiated and peaceful resolution could be found.
Peace talks between envoys of the Mexican Government and the Zapatista National Liberation Army began on 21 February and appear to be making progress.
Ireland's position on the question of the protection of human rights is well known to the Mexican authorities. We expect that all allegations of human rights offences will be thoroughly investigated by the Mexican authorities.