Ivan Yates
Ceist:55 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, he took to seek to have General Pinochet brought to trial in the United Kingdom or Chile. [8310/00]
Written Answers. - Human Rights Issues.
As has been made clear previously in reply to questions on this case, it is the Government's belief that abuses of human rights in any country are of concern to all. The perpetrators of all human rights abuses should be brought to justice in accordance with law. Throughout the years of the Pinochet dictatorship, Ireland strongly condemned the violations of human rights carried out by the regime. As a practical expression of our sympathy with the victims of those violations, we welcomed Chilean refugees into Ireland.
However, the Deputy will be aware that I am not in a position to comment on the specific case of the extradition proceedings against General Pinochet which was a matter for the judicial authorities in the countries involved in those proceedings. The question of whether he will now be sent for trial following his return to Chile is a matter for the judicial authorities there. President Lagos, who took office earlier this month, has clearly indicated that he fully respects the independence of the Chilean judicial system to proceed in the matter as it sees fit.
Jim Mitchell
Ceist:57 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the concerns expressed by Amnesty International and others to the stoning to death of a pregnant woman in the United Arab Emirates; and the steps, if any, he has taken to pursue this matter. [8305/00]
In response to a request from Ireland, the EU Presidency has made inquiries in the United Arab Emirates about reports that an Indonesian citizen has been condemned to death by stoning. The inquiries have established that this sentence – which has not been carried out – is subject to appeal before the Supreme Court in Abu Dhabi or, after the legal process has been exhausted, to an appeal for clemency to the Emir. It is also understood that a high level approach will be made by the Indonesian authorities. The European Union will continue to follow this case attentively.
The Government has made clear its total opposition to the use of the death penalty in all cases. We believe that its abolition contributes to the enhancement of human dignity and the progressive development of human rights.