Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Dec 2001

Vol. 545 No. 4

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.

Alan Shatter

Question:

121 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that President Lukashenko in Belarus is taking legal action to close down the pro-democracy Belarussian Student Association with which the Union of Students in Ireland has close links; his views on action being taken in Belarus to silence dissenting voices which is in violation of the European Convention on Human Rights; and the action being taken at United Nations and European Union level concerning this matter; and the Government's policy in relation thereto. [30714/01]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

124 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the conduct of the September elections in Belarus and the continuing violations of human rights there; and if his attention has been drawn to the action being taken by the authorities against the Belarussian student association. [30780/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to answer Question Nos. 121 and 124 together.

I am aware of the reports to which the Deputies refer, which concern legal action directed against the Belarussian Student Association by the Belarussian authorities. Naturally I would be deeply concerned should the legitimate activities of student organisations be curtailed by legal actions of this kind. I have asked officials in my Department to follow closely developments in the case.

Ireland endorses the conclusions drawn by the International Limited Election Observation Mission on the presidential elections held in Belarus on 9 September, in which President Lukashenko was re-elected. Together with our partners in the European Union, we greatly deplore the fact that these elections were not carried out in accordance with the Organisation for Co-operation and Security in Europe rules for the conduct of democratic elections. We deplore, in particular, the harassment of representatives of the opposition, national observers, the independent media and NGOs.

The development of relations between the EU and Belarus is dependent on respect for human rights and the progress of democracy in that country. The conclusions of the EU General Affairs Council of September 1997 set out a framework for the EU's future relations with Belarus, including the limiting of bilateral ministerial contacts to the presidency or the Troika and the suspension of technical assistance programmes, except in the case of humanitarian or regional projects or those which directly support the democratisation process. These Council conclusions are still in place.

We consider it regrettable that the Belarus authorities have not seized the opportunity afforded by the presidential elections to engage their country fully on the path of democracy.

Reports of recurrent violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms remain a cause for deep concern and I am aware of pressure being exerted by the authorities on a wide range of organisations, including opposition parties, human rights and other NGOs, and media outlets which are, or are suspected of being, opposed to the current regime. I reaffirm the appeal to President Lukashenko, made by the General Affairs Council in September 1997, to act in the interests of the Belarussian people and not to place his country in a position of isolation to the detriment of both Belarus and Europe as a whole.