Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:64 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the impact made by the Government to date arising from our membership of the UN Security Council; and if he will give an outline of same. [17917/01]
Priority Questions. - UN Security Council.
We have served for almost six months on the UN Security Council and our experience has been positive and useful in terms of peacekeeping, disarmament, human rights and development aid.
We have engaged fully and effectively on many regional issues. For example, with regard to Iraq, we have stressed consistently the need to work towards minimising the effects of the UN sanctions on the Iraqi people. The resolution to be passed between now and 4 July on the overhaul of the sanctions regime is an important step forward in what has been a long-standing issue.
With regard to the Middle East, Ireland has been involved in constructive efforts on the Security Council, including the tabling of a draft resolution in March. Where circumstances such as those in Afghanistan are concerned, we have been outspoken on human rights issues and humanitarian concerns. In discussions on UN operations, such as those in East Timor, we have brought our experience in UN peacekeeping to bear upon the issue.
African issues comprise a large part of the UN Security Council's work. We have been active in efforts to further the difficult peace process, as has been mentioned in an earlier question on the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We participated in a successful Security Council mission to the region in May. Our permanent representative holds the chairmanship of the Angola Sanctions Committee and we have made a significant impact in ensuring that the UN sanctions against UNITA are implemented effectively.
The Western Balkans, notably the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, have been a particular cause of concern in recent months and we participated actively in drafting a resolution aimed at restoring peace and stability to that region. In addition, our permanent representative has just returned from Kosovo, Serbia, as part of a SECCO fact finding mission.
Against the backdrop of our long-standing experience in UN peacekeeping, we have taken a particular interest in the important issue of strengthening co-operation between the Security Council and the countries that contribute troops to UN missions. That work showed results last week in terms of the adoption of a resolution to this issue, which is an important step forward.
We are continuing to make our presence felt in the UN Security Council.
Have we achieved anything of consequence or is our membership of the UN Security Council merely a quest for glory? I am cognisant of the huge political effort and input made to secure the seat on the council. I, and the public, want to be assured that it was a good investment in terms of our contribution to world affairs. Will the Minister tell us what he thinks has been the outstanding achievement to date?
The Minister mentioned the resolution on Iraq. In this regard, did Ireland take an independent stance or go along with the proposals that were made? What line did we take to ensure the sanctions would not have an impact on the general population of Iraq? There was much criticism of the US-UK initiative because it could make matters worse for the general population.
The Deputy is wrong in thinking we are working on the UN Security Council for glory. It is a question of working for others to make a contribution to many seemingly intractable problems where national peace and security are at stake. The idea that, by our membership, we will automatically bring about a resolution to such problems is not sensible. Also, the council does not respect members who adopt a grandstand approach. We have to work with the people concerned and adhere to the procedures of the council – regardless of our views on how it should be reformed or better employed in terms of its resources or how it could improve its relationship with the general assembly etc.
I am informed on a weekly basis of the work being done. By its nature, it is painstaking, diplomatic work and takes place in the background. It is a matter of making sure our representatives are making our views known, and that they are doing so in accordance with the many foreign policy approaches that have been followed by successive Governments.
I refute suggestions that Ireland is wasting its time on the UN Security Council. We are making an important contribution. We are acquiring levels of expertise that we would not have acquired were we not full-time members of the council. We are working assiduously with our colleagues and are seen to be constructive in every respect. They respect the fact that we make our case objectively. It has not ever been suggested that we are playing to anyone else's agenda. We are playing to the agenda that we were elected to adhere to – peacekeeping and promoting humanitarianism, as in Afghanistan. Where African problems are concerned, we have a strong standing among fellow members of the general assembly. They feel we keep them informed and assist in what are very difficult circumstances, not just political circumstances but those relative to poverty, AIDS and other serious developmental problems. Our contributions were consistent and detailed.