Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2004
71 Mr. McGinley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, in view of the ongoing violence in Chechnya, the situation was discussed with the Russian Administration at the recent high level meetings in Moscow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18804/04]
View answerI take this opportunity to condemn most strongly the attacks in Ingueshetia which have caused a significant loss of life this week. No cause can ever justify acts such as these.
The Taoiseach raised ongoing EU concerns about the situation in Chechnya with President Putin at the EU-Russia Summit in Moscow on 21 May. I also raised these concerns at the meetings which I had with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov during the Irish Presidency.
The Taoiseach expressed the EU's strong condemnation of recent terrorist attacks in which Chechen and Russian people have been killed, including Chechen President Akhmad Kadyrov. Ireland and the EU recognise Russia's territorial integrity, and its right and responsibility to protect its people from attack. The Taoiseach underlined, however, that respect for human rights is essential to the fight against terrorism and to building a lasting peace.
The European Union, which has already provided €120 million in humanitarian assistance over the last five years, restated its willingness at the summit to offer further humanitarian assistance to the region, provided that the very difficult security situation allows. In response, President Putin expressed his appreciation of EU assistance to date, and his determination to move forward on democratisation and reconstruction in Chechnya.
The EU looks forward to a free and fair presidential election in Chechnya on 29 August. This could provide an opportunity for progress on reconciliation, and for the promotion of peace, stability and development in Chechnya. The EU believes that a lasting solution to the situation in Chechnya requires a political settlement which guarantees protection for human rights and which commands the support and confidence of the Chechen population.
