Enda Kenny
Question:117 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland will raise the Falun Gong issue at the fourth Asian-European meeting in Copenhagen this month. [21513/02]
Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.
I take it the Deputy is referring to the fourth Asian-Europe, ASEM, meeting which took place from 22-24 September in Copenhagen. The ASEM process is still relatively new, having been formally established in 1996 in Bangkok. The meeting was divided into three working sessions, one for each main pillar of co-operation: political dialogue, economic co-operation; and social, cultural and educational issues. The Taoiseach spoke on lifelong learning in the third session. There was also a new feature in the fourth summit, an informal discussion on cultures and civilisations.
One of the primary issues discussed was how Asian and EU countries can work together to combat international terrorism, and the underlying root causes, as well as tackle other transnational threats. Two political declarations were issued; one on the Korean peninsula, the other on a co-operation programme on fighting terrorism.