Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 July 2004
226 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the recent EU-US Summit with particular reference to the treatment of Iraqi prisoners in Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad and the various nationalities held without prisoner status in Guantanamo, Cuba; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20014/04]
View answerThe successful outcome of the EU-US Summit at Dromoland Castle on 26 June was the culmination of six months of hard work for the Irish Presidency and marked important progress in the improvement of EU-US relations. The atmosphere of the meeting was very positive and forward-looking and a range of important political and economic issues were discussed. The summit adopted seven joint declarations covering an array of important international issues.
At the summit, the Taoiseach raised the issue of human rights abuses by the occupying powers. As President of the European Union, his mandate was to express the agreed position of the European Union, as reflected in the conclusions from the European Council of 17 June 2004. He expressed EU concern at the mistreatment of prisoners and urged President Bush to strongly consider the recommendations contained in the recent report issued by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. President Bush emphasised his disgust at what had happened and reiterated his determination to rectify matters.
On the issue of terrorism, the Taoiseach also noted that while we must be rigorous in combating terrorism, we cannot allow our common values to be sacrificed. He also took the opportunity of President Bush's visit to raise the issue of the treatment and status of detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. I would additionally make the point that the international community, through the unanimous recent adoption by the United Nations Security Council of Resolution 1546 of 2004, is now working together in support of the political transition process leading to the establishment of a democratic Iraq. We agreed a joint declaration on Iraq at the EU-US Summit which demonstrates our shared determination to put past differences behind us and to work together in the interest of the Iraqi people.
