Vol. 572 No. 5
93 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations he has made to US authorities regarding the arbitrary arrests and detention of Iraqis without charge by the US military, and the reported disappearance of Iraqis in US custody; if his attention has been drawn to the due process concerns raised by a European judge working as an expert with the Coalition Provisional Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23681/03]
As I explained to this House in answer to a previous question on 24 June, the Government had been consistent in making clear to all parties its concerns in relation to obligations under international humanitarian law. This will continue to be the Government's policy. The occupying powers have accepted fully their obligations and responsibilities under international law, most notably in their support for UN Security Council Resolution 1483.
I am aware of reports that certain allegations of mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners are being investigated. I am also aware that a newspaper report has referred to an unidentified European judge working with the Coalition Provisional Authority having raised concerns about due process. However, in the absence of further information about this matter, it is not possible for me to comment.
94 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the new Iraq Stabilisation Group headed by US National Security Adviser, Condoleezza Rice. [23682/03]
I am familiar with the creation of the group to which the Deputy refers. I outlined the Government's position on Iraq to this House when answering Question No. 104 of 1 October. We would welcome any peaceful measures that address the concerns and achieve the outcome I outlined in that answer. This could include any progress towards achieving those goals which might be made by the group to which the Deputy refers.
95 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations he has made to Chinese officials regarding the Chinese Party Secretary's ordering of a plan for invasion of North Korea in the name of regime change, and recent deployment of 100,000 troops to the North Korean border. [23683/03]
97 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations he has made to US officials regarding the statement of the US Under-Secretary of State that the US would consider launching a pre-emptive strike against North Korea. [23685/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 95 and 97 together.
The Deputy will recall that I addressed the current situation in North Korea in a reply to the House on 1 October 2003. My understanding is that the US and Chinese authorities continue to demonstrate a strong and continuing commitment to finding a negotiated, peaceful solution through the multilateral talks process. I assure the Deputy that Ireland, together with its EU partners, firmly supports this ongoing multilateral process, and the resolution of the current situation by peaceful means. We will continue to monitor developments closely and the EU remains willing to contribute to these international efforts to move matters forward.
96 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the agreement reached between the US and Turkey regarding a joint plan of action against Kurdish insurgents, the PKK. [23684/03]
The United States and Turkey announced on 2 October 2003 that they had reached agreement on an action plan against the PKK. Details of the plan, the contents of which have not been released, are to be worked out in direct negotiations between relevant US and Turkish agencies. In the circumstances, I am not in a position to comment on this development.
Question No. 97 answered with Question No. 95.
