Vol. 530 No. 3
74 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position in relation to the suppression of the Falun Gong; the plans he has to take any initiatives through the United Nations or elsewhere to support its position; if his attention has been drawn to the nominaton of a person (details supplied) for the Nobel peace prize; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3569/01]
Ireland, together with our EU partners, closely monitors the measures taken by the Chinese Government against Falun Gong practitioners. We have expressed our concern about the situation and called on the Chinese authorities to respect the human rights of individuals. We have urged the Chinese authorities not to act against the principles contained in the UN covenants signed by China, in particular those relating to the freedoms of expression, assembly and associ ation. We have also expressed concern about the number of arrests and the heavy sentences imposed on some members of the Falun Gong movement. At the general affairs council of 22-23 January, a number of decisions were taken concerning the EU-China human rights dialogue. Such dialogue is our preferred channel for working to improve the human rights situation in areas of concern and I see it remaining so in the period ahead.
It has been decided to step up the dialogue, focus it better and assess it on a continuous basis. The specific areas in which the EU will be seeking progress through the dialogue process include respect for the exercise of the freedoms of expression, religion and belief, both public and private, and respect for the fundamental rights of all prisoners, including those arrested for membership of the political opposition, unofficial religious movements or other movements, such as the Falun Gong.
I am aware that the Falun Gong movement has nominated its founder for the Nobel peace prize. I am concerned, however, that this nomination will be perceived as having been put forward in a partisan spirit. It would be desirable for such nominations to be made on as objective and apposite grounds as possible.
75 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the persecution of the Bahai community in Iran; and the Government attitude to its situation. [3570/01]
Ireland has long been sympathetic to the plight of the Bahai community and continues to pay close attention to the situation in Iran where persisting violations of human rights are a matter of profound concern. Ireland, together with our European partners, will continue to make our views on international human rights obligations clear to the Government of Iran. Full respect of human rights and religious tolerance is a major focus in our dialogue with Iran.
