Michael D. Higgins
Ceist:20 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the measures Ireland is taking towards a resolution of the conflict in the Gulf region.
Written Answers. - Gulf Conflict.
Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:44 Mr. Byrne asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the diplomatic or political steps the Government are taking, unilaterally or through the EC or United Nations to secure an end to the illegal occupation of Kuwait by Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20 and 44 together.
Deputies will be aware from my speech to this House on 29 August of the Government's position in relation to the Iraqi invasion and purported annexation of Kuwait.
The Government firmly believe that it is important to do everything possible to bring about a peaceful solution which will avoid the use of force. This is the basis of our response to the crisis, and of the measures we have taken towards a resolution of the situation. Our efforts to achieve such a solution include full support for UN Security Council resolutions which,inter alia, call for the complete and unconditional withdrawal of Iraq from Kuwait and the immediate start of negotiations between Iraq and Kuwait; the imposition of trade sanctions against Iraq; and the demand that Iraq permit and facilitate the departure from Iraq and Kuwait of all foreign nationals.
Ireland has also participated in making and implementing decisions within the European Community in relation to the crisis, and has supported the Community's willingness to assist those countries which are confronted by special economic problems arising from the carrying out of the UN measures.
As part of the EC Ministerial Troika, I participated in a visit to Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Egypt on 15-17 August where we had valuable discussions with the leadership of three countries which play a vital role in the current situation. During my attendance at the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September, I had bilateral meetings with the Emir of Kuwait and the Foreign Ministers of Syria, Iran, Oman and Turkey. The Troika of EC Ministers had discussions with the Foreign Minister of Iran, and the twelve Foreign Ministers of the Community had discussions with their counterparts within the Gulf Co-operation Council. In all of these discussions I have made clear, either on a bilateral basis or in co-ordination with our partners in the Community, our views on the need for a peaceful solution consistent with the Resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council.
The European Council, meeting in Rome on 27 October and attended by the Taoiseach and myself, issued a declaration on the Gulf crisis and the Middle East which fully reflects the position of the Government and which reiterates the Community's position relating to an Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait and the release from Iraq and Kuwait of all foreign nationals who wish to leave.
As I said to this House on 29 August, the Government recognise the sense of frustration and helplessness which is felt by many Irish people who have relatives in Kuwait and Iraq. In concert with our partners in the Community we are doing everything possible to deal with the difficulties caused to Irish citizens by Iraq's actions. It is not within our power to bring our citizens home without the acquiescence of the Iraqi authorities. Through our embassy in Baghdad, and through the representatives there of the EC Presidency, we have repeatedly made clear our demands for the release of our citizens. We shall continue, however, to insist that the rights of Irish citizens and of all foreign nationals in Iraq be respected.
The measures which I have outlined are intended to place economic and political pressure where it needs to be placed; on the Iraqi authorities in whose power lies the remedy to the current crisis. Ireland will continue to act in concert with our partners in the European Community to seek to bring home to Iraq the illegality of its actions in relation to Kuwait and the detention of foreign citizens, and its isolation in terms of the international community while it refuses to comply with the terms of the Resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council.