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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 21 Nov 2001

Vol. 544 No. 4

Written Answers. - Terrorist Attacks.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

152 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the Amnesty International assessment that the perpetrators of the atrocities in the United States of America on 11 September 2001 should be brought to justice in full accordance with international human rights standards and without the imposition of the death penalty to ensure sustained international co-operation and global solidarity. [29161/01]

The Government believes that action against terrorism must be pursued resolutely across a wide front and over a sustained period. I have studied with interest Amnesty International's assessment of the challenges facing the international community at this time.

The international community has mobilised itself in response to the atrocities of 11 September. Those who perpetrated these acts must be brought to justice. Member states of the United Nations are obliged by the terms of Security Council Resolution 1368 to do all in their power to bring this about.

In framing a response to the events of 11 September, Ireland along with the international community must not relax its efforts in regard to human rights and humanitarian obligations and standards under international law. The indispensable role of the United Nations in tackling common threats and in achieving joint objectives and goals must be asserted and universally recognised in the period ahead. In pursuit of this aim, Ireland looks forward to the imminent establishment of the International Criminal Court, and appeals for its universal recognition.

Ireland, along with the other member states of the EU opposes the death penalty in all cases and accordingly aims at its universal abolition. The Deputy will be aware of the efforts we have made, in conjunction with our EU partners and in accordance with the common EU guidelines on the issue of the death penalty, to seek its universal abolition.

The abolition of the death penalty contributes to the enhancement of human dignity and the progressive development of human rights. Ireland and the other member states of the EU pursue this policy consistently in different international fora such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe and the OSCE.

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