Gay Mitchell
Question:155 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by Amnesty International regarding torture in Egypt. [26579/02]
Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.
I am aware of the allegations to which the Deputy refers and I share some of the concerns felt by Amnesty International. The use of torture is abhorrent to any civilised society and the Egyptian authorities are aware of the Government's position on the matter. Human rights issues form an essential part of the dialogue between the European Union and our Mediterranean partners and are covered in all official encounters. Human rights in Egypt give some cause for concern.
During my last visit to Cairo, in September 2001, my delegation took the opportunity to raise certain cases with the Egyptian authorities and to make clear our concerns. Officials of my Department have also raised certain cases in contacts with Egyptian diplomatic representatives here and elsewhere. Notwithstanding these concerns, there have been a number of significant advances in Egypt in recent years such as the abolition of judicial corporal punishment in prisons and a reported substantial decrease in the number of political prisoners. The release from prison of Dr. Saad edin Ibrahim on 3 December is also a welcome development.
Question No. 156 answered with Question No. 83.
Question No. 157 answered with Question No. 43.