Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 1

Written Answers. - Afghan Conflict.

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

123 Mr. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the urgent measures, if any, he and the EU will take to end the current wave of repression in Afghanistan. [18266/96]

I refer to my reply to Question No. 86 of 10 October 1996 wherein I stated that the Government is seriously concerned about the continuation of hostilities in Afghanistan and would urge all parties to the conflict to seek a peaceful resolution of their differences through negotiation.

The Government has condemned unreservedly the violation of the United Nations premises in Kabul in contravention of international law and the summary justice and executions which have been carried out by the Taliban.

The Government has also expressed its concern at the interpretation of Islamic law being advanced by the Taliban whereby women are restricted from working outside their homes and girls, according to some reports, will no longer have access to education. The Government has called upon the Taliban Interim Council to respect basic human rights and to ensure that in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women its policies avoid gender discrimination.

The European Union is actively considering its response to developments in Afghanistan. The Presidency arranged for the issue to be discussed at a meeting within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy, in Brussels on Friday last.

The current situation in Afghanistan is both complex and fluid. The Taliban have come under fresh attack at the weekend by rival factions which have forged an anti-fundamentalist alliance. I understand that it is likely that the United Nations Security Council will address the issue later this week.

Top
Share