Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 31 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 8

Written Answers. - Kurdish Conflict.

Seamus Kirk

Question:

14 Mr. Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's and the EU's response to the threat made by Mr. Massod Barzani, leader of the Kurdish Democratic Party, that he will request the support of Baghdad in the current struggle against the rival Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. [20068/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Government welcomes the ceasefire in northern Iraq between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, PUK, and the Kurdish Democratic Party, KDP, which came into force on 25 October, and the announcement of negotiations between representatives of the two factions which are due to commence in Ankara later this week. The Government believes that the ceasefire helps to create the conditions that are essential to allow both Kurdish parties to resolve their differences on their own. We hope the talks will be successful in restoring security and stability to Northern Iraq.

I outlined the European Union's position on the situation in northern Iraq in my reply to Deputy Burke's written questions No. 64 of 22 October. The Union is willing to pursue contacts with the neighbouring countries in the region with a view to reducing tensions in northern Iraq. Partners are also all agreed on the need to ensure that steps are taken to relieve the suffering of the Iraqi civilian population, and children in particular, through the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 986 which would allow the sale of Iraqi oil to pay for food and medical supplies, and which it is envisaged will enter into force shortly.

The Union has also been concerned that hostilities between the Kurdish parties will lead to an increase in the number of refugees fleeing northern Iraq. The Union has undertaken steps to alleviate the humanitarian plight of those refugees who have had to flee their homes as a result of the recent fighting. The Presidency will continue to monitor closely the humanitarian situation and co-ordinate with its EU partners, and NGOs operating in the area, to assist in alleviating the situation of the Kurdish population. Ireland's priority, as Presidency of the EU, will be to seek to ensure that the Union's influence leads to the restoration of peace and stability in the region.