Finian McGrath
Question:107 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if steps will be taken to ensure the safe return of the Colombia three (details supplied); and if he will report on their current situation. [13977/04]
View answerThursday, 13 May 2004
Questions (107, 108)
Written answers
Since the judge's decision in the case was announced on 26 April, officials from our embassy in Mexico, which is also accredited to Colombia, have been in close contact with the Colombian authorities, as well as with the Dutch Ambassador, who is representing our interests, and the Irish Honorary Consul in Bogota.
In all its contacts, the embassy has made clear the importance we attach to ensuring the men's safety, particularly during any time they may spend in the country between leaving prison and returning to Ireland. The Colombian authorities have assured us in response that they share our concerns in this regard, and will provide the men with security for this period. In addition, both the Taoiseach and I have sent personal messages to the Colombian President and foreign minister respectively reiterating the desirability of facilitating the men's early departure from Colombia as the best way of ensuring their safety.
The current position is that the Colombian Attorney General has lodged an appeal against the judgement in the case. The men's lawyers have made a petition to the judge to allow them to leave the country after their release from prison. The judge's decision on this petition is currently awaited. I assure the Deputy that, as from the start of this case, the Department of Foreign Affairs will continue to do its utmost to ensure the safety and well-being of the three men.
Finian McGrath
Question:108 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government’s position on the torture of Iraqi prisoners by US and British Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13978/04]
View answerThe Government has from the outset called on all parties in the conflict to respect their obligations under international law both in regard to the status of civilians and in regard to prisoners of war. The Government's calls are in keeping with the public pronouncements of UN Secretary General Annan. Moreover, Security Council resolution 1483 of 22 May 2003 calls upon all concerned to comply fully with their obligations under international law including, in particular, the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and the Hague Regulations of 1907. The treatment of prisoners of war is specifically covered by the 3rd Geneva Convention. The Government has publicly and strongly condemned any incidents of abuse of prisoners in Iraq by occupying forces which have taken place as contrary to international humanitarian law. Our position has been conveyed to both the US and British authorities. We also noted the response by these authorities in instigating investigations into such abuse, and their commitment to rectify any failure to adhere to international humanitarian law and to take appropriate action. We would also expect that they will implement measures to prevent any possible recurrence of such abuse.