Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 9 Oct 2002

Vol. 554 No. 5

Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.

Finian McGrath

Question:

480 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the Government's policy on Colombia will be to follow the USA, which will lead to a wider war, or to support the mediation of the UN and Colombia's Latin neighbours which has the greatest potential to develop a genuine peace process. [15788/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen):

The Government together with our EU partners attach great importance to the commitment by President Uribe of Colombia to seek a negotiated solution to the conflict. He has called for a cessation of violence by the illegal armed groups in order to enable talks to commence. We will support such talks as the only way of bringing about a lasting peace, and we welcome President Uribe's invitation to the UN to play a central facilitating role.

Ireland and the EU will also support the Colombian Government and people in meeting the daunting array of challenges – political, economic and social – which face them. We welcome President Uribe's commitment to meet these challenges, including those posed by terrorism and drug trafficking – with full respect for the principles of democracy, for human rights and for the rule of law.

The Irish Government and its partners condemn all violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law in Colombia, as well as the campaign of intimidation against mayors and town councillors throughout Colombia, which constitute an offence against democracy.

We will support efforts by the new Government to end the endemic impunity and to bring the full force of the law to bear on all those responsible for crimes.

We also believe that special attention must be paid to social and economic reforms if there is to be a lasting solution with social justice. The EU stands ready to continue assisting the Colombian Government and people in the preparation and implementation of such reforms, as well as in necessary measures to promote peace and reconciliation.

Seán Crowe

Question:

481 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the decision of the Spanish Parliament to seek the banning of Batasuna, another political party, is an affront to democracy and disenfranchises that party's voters; his further views on whether this decision will do further harm to the Basque peace process; and his plans to lodge a protest on this issue with the Spanish Ambassador. [15812/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen):

There is no place in our democracies for the use or the threat of the use of force. Democracy means that issues must be addressed through respect for human life, for the rule of law, and the political process.

As I understand the situation, ETA and the political party associated with it, Batasuna, have not abandoned the use of violence and have not committed themselves to exclusively peaceful and democratic means of pursuing their aims. In these circumstances, I would not wish to enter into a debate on the democratic decision of the Spanish Parliament to adopt a law on political parties which has resulted in the banning of Batasuna.

In his question, the Deputy refers to doing "further harm to the Basque peace process". The best way to avoid further harm would be for ETA to desist from violence and, together with their associates in Batasuna, commit themselves exclusively to democratic means of pursuing their aims.