Tony Gregory
Question:75 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, he is taking in the area of judicial reform in the Euro Mediterranean Partnership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15629/00]
Written Answers. - Euro-Mediterranean Partnership.
Under the terms of the Barcelona declaration of November 1995, each partner country in the Euro-Mediterranean process has made specific commitments to act in accordance with the UN charter and the universal declaration of human rights. The process also commits partners to develop the rule of law and democracy, including the guarantee of free elections, an independent judiciary, and the upholding of fundamental freedoms. This remains one of the fundamental pillars of the process. Ireland, together with our partners, has continued to encourage the necessary reforms and modernisation in this context.
The Euro-Mediterranean partnership is also seeking to develop the judicial co-operation necessary for the effective combating of drug trafficking, international crime and terrorism. A meeting of senior officials from all 27 Euro-Mediterranean partner countries next November will examine closer co-operation in these areas.