Vol. 567 No. 7
62 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's view in relation to those people being held in Guantanamo Bay; the representations Ireland has made on the breach of human rights and international law that is involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14765/03]
The Government's concern that the detainees in Guantanamo Bay be treated in accordance with the provisions of international human rights and humanitarian law has been communicated to the US authorities. In this regard I refer the Deputy to my reply given to Parliamentary Questions Reference Nos. 3976 and 3977 of 7 February 2002. In addition, as I stated in my reply to Parliamentary Question No. 9959 of 9 April 2003, in discussions of the matter with our EU partners, my Department has learned that a number of EU partners whose citizens have been detained in Guantanamo Bay are seeking to resolve issues relating to their treatment with the US authorities.
I understand that, in recent weeks, a number of detainees have been released and returned to their countries. I also understand that the US authorities are in the process of setting up military commissions before which selected persons may be tried for terrorist activities, and have recently appointed two military lawyers who will take charge of the prosecution and defence in these cases. I continue to hold the view, previously expressed to the US authorities and others, that it is important to maintain the highest international standards at all times.
Question No. 63 answered with Question No. 59.
