Trevor Sargent
Question:16 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will protest to the Russian Government regarding its violent response to the hostage crisis in Budennovsk, Russia. [11703/95]
Written Answers. - Hostage Crisis.
Hostage-taking, wherever it occurs, is a heinous and despicable criminal act. It is wholly unacceptable that, in pursuit of political, military or other aims, innocent people should be threatened or abused through such actions. Those who engage in hostage-taking bear the responsibility for any loss of life precipitated by their actions.
The Government was gravely concerned by the actions of Chechen fighters in taking hostage up to 1,300 inmates of a hospital in Budennovsk. Some 150 people were killed. Many others were injured or traumatised by this horrific incident.
With our European Union partners, Ireland condemned in the strongest possible terms the hostage-taking in Budennovsk. We deplored the loss of life which had taken place and called for the unconditional release of all hostages.
The European Union also reiterated its appeal for a political settlement of the crisis in Chechnya. It was made clear that the hostage-taking had illustrated, once again, that it is not possible to resolve the Chechen crisis by military means alone, and that the tragic events in Budennovsk underlined the imperative need for a political solution for Chechnya.
There is a chance that the Budennovsk tragedy may act as a catalyst for the efforts to restore peace in Chechnya. In discussions between the Russian authorities and Chechen leaders in Grozny last week there were some encouraging developments. A three-day ceasefire was agreed. There were indications of a willingness to negotiate on a range of fundamental issues which must be resolved if Chechnya is to enjoy peace. However, given the legacy of the conflict, I do not wish to underestimate the difficulties associated with this process.
Ireland, with its European Union partners welcomes, and will continue to encourage, these recent positive developments. We will continue to work for a permanent ceasefire; substantive negotiations for a political solution; a deep engagement by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe — OSCE — in the political process and in the protection of human rights; and for full access for the humanitarian aid agencies to the victims of the conflict in Chechnya.