Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Dec 2001

Vol. 545 No. 4

Written Answers. - Pakistan-Ireland Relationship.

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

122 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the relationship of the Government with Pakistan; if in particular, he has acknowledged the problem confronted by that country in assisting the war against terrorism in Afghanistan; the support, financial and otherwise, which he has provided to Pakistan; his proposals in this regard in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30715/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1962, Ireland and Pakistan have enjoyed a very good bilateral relationship. Earlier this year this relationship was strengthened with the opening of a resident Embassy of Pakistan in Dublin and the appointment of Ambassador Rifat Iqbal, a development I warmly welcome.

Our bilateral relations extend across many areas, including trade, education and culture. Pakistan is Ireland's 12th largest trading partner in Asia, with a combined total trade between Ireland and Pakistan reaching a new peak of £72.1 million in 2000.

Since the events of 11 September and the commencement of military action in Afghanistan, the Government has been closely following developments in Pakistan. We have regularly exchanged information in contacts at the UN Security Council in New York and with the Embassy of Pakistan on the evolving situation in Afghanistan.

Earlier this week I spoke with my Pakistani counterpart, Foreign Minister Abdul Sattar and discussed the latest developments in Afghanistan as well as the situation in Pakistan.

Pakistan's decision to join the international coalition against terrorism as a front-line state was a correct and courageous one and strongly welcomed by the Government. In the face of severe criticism, President Musharraf has remained resolute in his decision and is leading his country through a challenging period.

Pakistan will have a particularly important role to play in the future of the region, in restoring peace and maintaining stability in Afghanistan. In my discussion with Foreign Minister Sattar this week, I welcomed the strong support Pakistan has lent to the UN-sponsored talks in Bonn and to the work of UN Special Representative Brahimi. I urge Pakistan to continue this vital co-operation.

I am also aware of the assistance which Pakistan has extended to Afghan refugees fleeing Taliban persecution. The Pakistani Government has welcomed over two million refugees into the country, despite the destabilising effect their presence could have.

The £4 million in emergency assistance being provided by the Irish Government in response to the crisis in Afghanistan is balanced in focus between those at risk within Afghanistan and those seeking protection as refugees in neighbouring countries, such as Pakistan. Ireland Aid support therefore includes measures aimed at reducing the adverse impact of large numbers of refugees on local economies and infrastructure in Pakistan in particular. I urge the Pakistani Government to continue to work with international aid agencies bringing aid to those refugees and assisting their eventual return to Afghanistan.

The European Union is making a significant development aid contribution to Pakistan. The EU's projects are targeted on the poorest groups of Pakistani society. The total of commitments for ongoing projects is 195 million and is focused predominantly on social sector development, such as primary education, the eradication of child labour, health, drug rehabilitation and environmental sustainability.

In addition, the European Commission has proposed that Pakistan would benefit from the best possible access to the EU market short of a free trade agreement by making it eligible for the new special generalised system of preferences scheme for countries combating drugs. The package has been specifically designed to target clothing and textiles which account for three quarters of Pakistan's exports to the EU. The introduction of Pakistan into the special drugs regime will be included in the form of an amendment to the Commission's proposal for a new GSP regime for the period 2002-2004, which is currently under discussion by the Council. In November the EU signed a favourable co-operation agreement with Pakistan. This significant increase in the level of international assistance is not being extended to Pakistan unconditionally.

We have made clear our expectations with regard to the return to full democracy in Pakistan. I welcome President Musharraf's plan entitled Roadmap to Democracy, according to which democratic elections will be held by October 2002, and urge him to keep closely to that plan. We will be closely monitoring developments in Pakistan over the coming months and assessing progress towards the restoration of democracy. Implementation of measures, such as the EU-Pakistan Co-operation Agreement, would be immediately reconsidered should there be any slippage in the timetable for the restoration of democracy.

With regard to disarmament matters, the Government has repeatedly made clear its grave concern at the developments of 1998 when both Pakistan, and its neighbour India, conducted nuclear tests. This concern has been heightened by subsequent tests of ballistic missiles by both states. The continuing possession of nuclear weapons by Pakistan and India constitutes a major threat to regional peace and stability, and has serious implications for the nuclear non-prolifer ation regime and, by implication, the process of achieving nuclear disarmament worldwide.

The Government also has a number of human rights concerns with regard to Pakistan, in particular the use of the death penalty. We will continue to raise these concerns with the Pakistani Government at every appropriate occasion.