Vol. 516 No. 5
75 Mr. O'Shea asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations, if any, made to the Russian authorities regarding reported attacks by Russian military forces on Chechnyan civilians; his views on the imposition of sanctions having regard to the reported abuses of human rights by Russian troops; the proposals, if any, he has in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8470/00]
With regard to human rights abuses in Chechnya, including the reported attacks by Russian forces on civilians, I refer the Deputy to the answer I gave to Priority Question No. 5.
With regard to the possible imposition of sanctions against Russia, this question would have to be carefully considered. We would need to weigh carefully the implications for the reform process in Russia and the impact on the vulnerable civilian population, if the international community were to take steps which would begin to isolate Russia. Ultimately it may be better to keep Russia engaged in the relevant international organisations and with the international community, whilst continuing to press for urgent change.
78 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to reports of the detention and treatment of an Irish citizen (details supplied) in a Thai prison; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8311/00]
The Irish citizen referred to in the Deputy's question, who, incidentally was born in Britain and is therefore also a British national, has been in custody in Chonburi prison in Thailand since July 1997 when he was charged with murder. In the absence of any Irish mission in that country our embassy in Kuala Lumpur, with the assistance of the British Embassy in Bangkok, is looking after his consular protection.
The two embassies put him in contact with a Thai lawyer soon after his arrest but he subsequently accepted the services of lawyers appointed by the court. Officers of the Irish Embassy visited him in October 1997 and in February 1999; he is visited frequently by a representative of the British Embassy – the next visit is scheduled for 27 March – and receives money for expenses from a relative in Ireland through that embassy's good offices. The embassies have also been assisting him to get medical and dental treatment.
83 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the Honduran Government the threats made against members of a group seeking to protect the land rights of peasant farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8313/00]
I am aware of the reports of threats made against three named individuals who I understand are leaders of a co-ordinating body of groups involved in defending the land rights of peasant farmers in Honduras. In common with our EU partners, Ireland works to promote the observance of universal human rights standards and events or incidents of the kind reported are of concern to us. My Department is currently making inquiries about the matter and I will revert directly to the Deputy at a later date with any further information which I receive about this case.
