Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 5 July 2017
126. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his Department has raised issues with either the United States of America or the United Arab Emirates in view of the recent reports by an organisation (details supplied) into torture prison camps being run by the UAE with US support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31652/17]
View answerI am aware of the report referenced by the Deputy.
My predecessor, Minister Flanagan, directly raised concerns about the conduct of the war in Yemen with the UAE Minister for Foreign Affairs, Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on a number of occasions. He also discussed this issue with the Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Nizar bin Obaid Madani, when he visited Riyadh in November.
I will use any appropriate opportunity to pursue these concerns in the future.
I am extremely concerned about the appalling humanitarian situation in Yemen, and I urge all parties to this conflict to accept UN Special Envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed’s invitation to return to the negotiating table for a peace settlement.
Furthermore, Ireland will continue to support calls for an independent, international investigation into alleged violations of international human rights and international humanitarian law in Yemen and for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
