Gerry O'Sullivan
Ceist:79 Mr. G. O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has invited any of the leaders of the emerging democracies in eastern Europe to visit Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Liberalisation in Eastern Europe.
Ireland fully supports the efforts being made in the countries of eastern Europe to achieve pluralism, democracy, full respect for human rights and economic reform. Together with our partners in the European Community, we are pursuing a comprehensive programme aimed at supporting this process of liberalisation. I am maintaining contact with the leaders of these reforming countries through a number of means, including, where appropriate, meetings with them. On 5-7 December 1989, the Foreign Minister of Hungary paid a working visit to Ireland. I have recently concluded official visits to Poland and Yugoslavia, and while there I extended an invitation to the Foreign Ministers of these countries to pay a visit to Ireland.