Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
145. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason Ireland, the EU and the UN are staying silent about the overthrow of an elected president in Egypt; his views on what will happen to the democratic process in view of the military coup; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34420/13]
View answerI am following events in Egypt with great concern. I very much regret the loss of lives, estimated at around 100 persons, and the many casualties since the onset of the current crisis. Incidents such as the heavy loss of life outside the Republican Guard HQ in Cairo on 7 July must be thoroughly and impartially investigated. It is not correct that Ireland, the EU and the UN have stayed silent about this crisis. In my own public comments, I have remarked that no one who truly holds to democratic values can view with equanimity what was, to all intents and purposes, a military takeover. I continue to believe that, as a matter of principle, a military intervention of this kind which sets aside a country’s established constitutional and democratic order cannot be condoned. EU High Representative Ashton issued a declaration on 14 July, on behalf of the 28 member States, which made clear the EU’s deep concern at recent developments in Egypt. This declaration stated that the military must accept and respect the constitutional authority of the civilian power as a basic principle of democratic governance and that it was of the utmost importance that Egypt should return rapidly to a legitimate government and democratic structures. I note that UN Secretary General Ban has also expressed deep concern about events in Egypt following the 3 July suspension of the Constitution and the removal from office of President Morsi and his government.
The immediate priority is for all political actors in Egypt to show restraint, to refrain from any recourse to violence and to dedicate themselves urgently to the task of charting a political way forward which must be respectful of the aspirations and orientations of the entire population.
Ireland and its EU partners believe that the only solution to the situation we are facing in Egypt is to promote a fully inclusive process of political dialogue and reconciliation aimed at the swiftest possible restoration of democratic rule and civilian-led Government, following free and fair legislative and Presidential elections. The interim President, Mr. Al-Mansour, has proposed a road-map for the restoration of the constitution and of normal democratic government, which now needs to be discussed and agreed by all parties in Egypt. It is also essential for all actors and those now in positions of responsibility in Egypt to commit to, and to ensure, the full protection of basic human rights, fundamental freedoms and rule of law.
The interim Presidency and all those in positions of influence must reach out to all political forces, without exception, and must ensure all strands of Egyptian society can contribute to the building of a genuine democracy and improved economic circumstances. Conciliatory moves to defuse the current crisis, including the release of those detained for political reasons, are also essential.
As I have stated previously, Egypt and its people are experiencing a difficult transition to democracy. Ireland and its EU partners are fully committed to providing whatever support we can to assist the Egyptian people along this path.
