John Connor
Ceist:24 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if it is Government policy to recognise the recently declared independent Republic of Somaliland which was formerly part of Somalia.
Written Answers. - Recognition of Somaliland Republic.
The events in Somalia leading up to and following the collapse of the Government of Siad Barre are a source of major concern because of their effects on the human rights of the population and on their access to humanitarian assistance, as well as on the very stability of the Somali state. In common with its partners in the Community, Ireland has appealed publicly for the maintenance of the territorial integrity and unity of Somali and called on all sides to become involved in the search for a peaceful solution to the internal conflict there as the only guarantee of cohesion and national stability. We have also made known our willingness to support the search for a negotiated settlement acceptable to all the parties in Somalia. In these circumstances it would be quite inappropriate for the Government to adopt the policy referred to by the Deputy.