Gay Mitchell
Ceist:155 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by Amnesty International regarding torture in Egypt. [26579/02]
Vol. 559 No. 5
155 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to concerns expressed by Amnesty International regarding torture in Egypt. [26579/02]
I am aware of the allegations to which the Deputy refers and I share some of the concerns felt by Amnesty International. The use of torture is abhorrent to any civilised society and the Egyptian authorities are aware of the Government's position on the matter. Human rights issues form an essential part of the dialogue between the European Union and our Mediterranean partners and are covered in all official encounters. Human rights in Egypt give some cause for concern.