Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Apr 1995

Vol. 451 No. 5

Written Answers. - US Embargo on Cuba.

Desmond J. O'Malley

Question:

39 Mr. O'Malley asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will vote in favour of the resolution to end the economic, commercial and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba at the meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in September 1995; and, if not, the reason therefor. [6863/95]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The resolution that was passed at the 49th United Nations General Assembly last October calling for an end to the US embargo on political, economic and commercial relations between the United States and Cuba envisages a review of the issue at this year's session of the General Assembly.

Last year's vote took place against the recent background of the opening of bilateral discussions between the US and Cuba. In considering its position on that occasion, the Government was anxious to encourage that dialogue and allow it time to develop. As we made clear at the time, our abstention in the vote did not mean that we supported the embargo. On the contrary, the Government agreed with the call in the Resolution on all states to refrain from promulgating and applying laws of the kind adopted by the United States. I hope that, before the next General Assembly, the conditions can be created for the lifting of the embargo and the normalisation of US-Cuba relations.

I must say, however that recent developments in the US Congress on this issue are not encouraging. The Government is deeply concerned about proposed legislation in Congress which would strengthen the extra-territorial dimension of the embargo. With our partners in the European Union, we have made clear our opposition to any actions designed to involve third countries in the measure taken by the United States.

The Government's approach will continue to be guided by what it considers can best contribute to a positive evolution of US-Cuba relations. We will examine any draft resolution that may be proposed in relation to the embargo at this year's General Assembly on its merit and decide Ireland's position in the light of the circumstances prevailing at that time.