Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 April 2014
13. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken alongside his EU counterparts regarding the deteriorating situation in Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15383/14]
View answer41. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the international community, the EU and the UN continue to monitor events in Egypt with a view to ensuring acceptance of human rights principles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15888/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 13 and 41 together.
We have made clear on a number of occasions my concerns over the current human rights situation in Egypt. These concerns are widely shared by our EU partners, as should be clear from the firmly worded Conclusions on Egypt adopted by the Foreign Affairs Council on 10 February. While welcoming the adoption of the new Egyptian constitution in January, the Council deplored the absence of a fully inclusive process leading up to the referendum as well as expressing concern over the deteriorating human rights situation and the continuing use of selective justice against the political opposition.
Concern over human rights within Egypt have only intensified following last week's mass sentencing of 529 supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood to death by a provincial court. Ireland shares the widespread deep concern which has been expressed by many in the international community regarding this verdict and the clear failure to observe basic international standards governing the right to a fair trial. High Representative Ashton also issued a statement on 25 March expressing her utmost concern and reiterating the EU's complete opposition to capital punishment under all circumstances. She reiterated these concerns when she met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Fahmy on 31 March.
The human rights situation in Egypt was also considered at the just concluded session of the UN Human Rights Council. Ireland was one of eighteen EU MSs who associated with a strong cross-regional statement delivered during the session outlining concerns about the human rights situation and urging the Egyptian government to fully comply with its international obligations as well as fully implement the human rights provisions contained in the new Constitution. The EU Special Representative for Human Rights has also visited Egypt on a number of occasions in recent months in order to discuss and encourage stronger efforts on the part of Egypt's interim government in upholding and safeguarding human rights.
Presidential elections have now been called for late May, with parliamentary elections to follow later in the year. The EU is planning to deploy a full-scale election observation mission to monitor these crucial presidential elections. The EU will continue to provide all practical support it can to assist Egypt as it continues its difficult transition and, in particular, will continue to urge the need for the Egyptian authorities to actively pursue reconciliation, promote greater respect for human rights and clearly govern in the interests of all Egyptians.
