Bertie Ahern
Ceist:1 Mr. B. Ahern asked the Taoiseach if he will make a statement on the EU/Asean Summit, which he attended; and the bilateral meetings, if any, he has had with other leaders. [4889/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Asia-Europe Summit.
Mary Harney
Ceist:2 Miss Harney asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the Euro-Asia Summit meeting which he attended in Bangkok recently. [5131/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 2 together.
I attended the inaugural Asia-Europe Meeting in Bangkok on 1 and 2 March last. I was accompanied at the meeting by the Minister of State for European Affairs, Deputy Gay Mitchell.
The participants in the meeting were all the countries of the European Union, the European Commission, the seven ASEAN countries, as well as Japan, China and South Korea. In almost all cases delegations were led at either Head of State or Head of Government level.
I am delighted to report that the meeting was an outstanding success. Particular tribute must be paid to Singapore as the original instigators of the idea and to the Thai chairmanship of the first meeting. I have arranged to have a copy of the chairman's statement at the conclusion of the meeting placed in the Oireachtas Library.
The summit established a new comprehensive Asia-Europe partnership aimed at strengthening links between Asia and Europe to promote peace, global stability and prosperity. This partnership will be specifically forged through fostering political dialogue and reinforcing co-operation in economic and other areas.
The meeting agreed a number of specific follow-up measures, the full details of which are set out in the chairman's statement. The primary initial focus is on increasing trade and investment flows involving both the Government and the private sectors. In addition, provision has been made to establish structures to promote community, cultural and student exchanges between Asia and Europe. There will be a full review of the operation of the partnership at the next ASEM to be held in Britain in 1998.
In my contributions to the plenary session of the meeting I underlined the importance of adherence to international norms on human rights. I pointed out that a good human rights position will underpin economic development. I welcome the commitment by the meeting to the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. I emphasised also the need for reform of the United Nations.
At the summit I had formal bilateral meetings with the Heads of State or Governments of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and South Korea. I also had informal discussions with the Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom, Japan and Vietnam, as well as the President of the Philippines and the German Chancellor. In all my bilateral discussions with Asian leaders I underlined the attractions of Ireland as an investment location and our desire to improve trading links. I will ask the relevant Ministers and agencies here to follow up on the contacts I made. In my bilateral meetings I also raised, where relevant, human rights concerns.
Did the Taoiseach raise the problems of East Timor during his meetings in Bangkok and what progress, if any, did he make following on the efforts of the Tánaiste in this important matter some weeks ago? Will the Taoiseach report to the House on the latest position in regard to the Government's efforts to assist the people of East Timor?
I had a substantial meeting with President Saharto of Indonesia at which I raised the East Timor issue; in fact, I raised the matter with him on two separate occasions. I indicated Ireland's concern about it and our concern for the people of East Timor and their rights. I also said Ireland is anxious to facilitate a settlement of the differences that exist during its Presidency of the European Union. In response to this, the President of Indonesia outlined the position as he saw it and indicated a willingness to have people visit East Timor to see the situation for themselves. I welcomed in particular this suggestion of visits and I will take the steps necessary to arrange for this from an Irish point of view.