Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 7 Feb 1990

Vol. 395 No. 4

Written Answers. - European Political Co-operation.

Tomás MacGiolla

Ceist:

67 Tomás Mac Giolla asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline his priorities for European political co-operation for the period when Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of Ministers; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Collins)

In my address to the European Parliament on 16 January, as President in Office of the Council, I set out the priorities which I see for our Presidency. They are:

—the establishment of a new climate of co-operation and community in Europe, particularly through the CSCE process,

—exploring ways to strengthen EC-US relations,

—advancement of dialogue with likeminded countries, including the EFTA countries, the other non-EC Council of Europe members and Japan,

—the protection of human rights, —support for the peace process aimed at resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict,

—achievement through peaceful means of a democratic and multiracial society in South Africa,

—cultivation of the Community's relations with Latin America and Asia,

—support for efforts to promote political solutions to the conflicts in Cambodia and Afghanistan.

A copy of the address is in the Library of the Dáil.

In addition, the Irish Presidency has given high priority to enabling the Community and its member states to respond promptly and effectively to developments in Eastern Europe and organised a special meeting of the EC Foreign Ministers with the Commission in Dublin on 20 January which was devoted to this topic.