Brendan Smith
Ceist:100. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made in the all-party talks in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37185/15]
Priority Questions
Northern Ireland
In recent weeks and months in Northern Ireland we have seen political instability reach a significant peak in the form of budgetary clashes on welfare reform and following more recent revelations on the assessment of the structure, role and purpose of paramilitary organisations by the PSNI and MI5. The political stalemate and the wider political and societal instability it fosters must not be allowed to continue. Every effort needs to be made by the participants, in particular the Irish Government in its role of co-guarantor of the Good Friday Agreement, to put the peace process on a permanent and sustainable footing and ensure the all-party talks will result in a successful outcome. I wish the Minister, the British Government and all the parties every success in these very important talks, which should be nearing a conclusion.
Following the request by the Taoiseach and the British Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Sean Sherlock, and I, together with the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Ms Theresa Villiers, facilitated a return of the five main parties in Northern Ireland to round table talks. The talks resumed on 21 September and are continuing in a constructive atmosphere. I have worked closely with the Secretary of State, Ms Villiers, in encouraging all parties to continue to engage in a constructive manner in the talks process.
As well as round table sessions, the talks are taking place in bilateral and trilateral format and good work is also being done in discussions between the parties themselves. The more inclusive the engagement, the better the final agreement will be.
My current assessment is that the talks have now moved to an intensive phase and we are making good progress around the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement as well as dealing with the legacy and impact of paramilitarism. The Stormont House Agreement, concluded in December 2014, offers a blueprint for overcoming current difficulties in the Executive, especially around financing welfare reform and dealing with the legacy of the past. It is also crucial that the work started by the Stormont House Agreement on establishing new institutions to deal with the legacy of the past be completed so that justice and truth can bring what healing is possible to victims and survivors of the troubles and their families.
It is essential that all five main parties in Northern Ireland, with the support of the two Governments, urgently advance full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement and address the impact and legacy of continuing paramilitary activity. While significant challenges remain, I am hopeful that, with committed and collective engagement, we can make real progress on the critical issues in the coming days with a view to a successful conclusion of the talks. An agreed outcome, supported by all five parties, would be an important step forward, not just for politics, but for the further normalisation of society in Northern Ireland.
I thank the Minister for his response and I hope this intensive phase of the talks will draw to a successful conclusion. The need for such a conclusion is evidently demonstrated by the report on paramilitary activity, which makes for stark reading, and the attendant problems for communities on both sides of the Border. As the House knows, that report points out that individual provisional IRA members remain involved in criminal activity, such as large-scale smuggling, and there have been isolated incidents of violence, including murders. The report also points out the illegal activities and the unacceptable activity of other paramilitary groups that have no place in society either, such as the UVF, the Ulster Defence Association and the INLA.
There is an urgent need to have all of these issues dealing with the legacy of the past and ongoing criminal activity dealt with in a comprehensive manner. The Minister would be aware that last March, I brought legislation to the House calling for the establishment of an all-Ireland cross-Border forum. This would comprise members of An Garda Síochána, the PSNI, our customs service, the Northern Ireland customs service, the Environmental Protection Agency and its counterparts north of the Border and other relevant statutory agencies. I welcome the fact the Minister has indicated he is thinking along those lines. Will he assure us that the establishment of such an agency, with a remit and focus to deal with criminality on both sides of the Border, will be a central part of the ongoing all-party discussions in Stormont and will he assure us that such a body will have an important remit to deal with the outstanding issues arising from paramilitary activity?
The recent assessment report makes for sober reading. It states that all the main paramilitary groups operating during the period of the Troubles remain in existence, including the Provisional IRA and a number of loyalist groups and organisations. The assessment adds that the structures of the Provisional IRA remain in existence, but in a much reduced form, and that the leadership of the Provisional IRA remains committed to the peace process and the group is not involved in terrorist activity.
In the context of the ongoing negotiations and talks, it is important that we read these reports, not only the report of the PSNI but also the report of An Garda Síochána, in their entirety and not be selective in our quotes. Nevertheless, I agree with Deputy Smith that the continuation of any paramilitary activity is unacceptable and unsustainable and must be ended. We have the opportunity in the current talks process to ensure that all parties commit to that objective.
Those of us who are privileged to be public representatives on this island should reflect that we all have a mandate to implement the Good Friday Agreement. That agreement received over 94% support in the referendum in our State and well over 70% north of the Border. It behoves all of us in public life on this island to work ceaselessly to ensure that its provisions and those of subsequent agreements are implemented in full. I appeal to the Minister to ensure that every effort is made in these talks to progress as many aspects as possible of the Good Friday Agreement and to implement measures contained in the other agreements without further delay.
I am concerned by the legislation proposed by the British in respect of dealing with the legacy of the past. I think it was Mr. Mark Durkan, MP for Foyle, who stated very clearly that the proposed legislation in its present form fell short of the commitments that were made in the Stormont House Agreement last December. I ask the Minister to give us an assurance that such legislation will be adequate to ensure that the measures proposed in the Stormont House Agreement are implemented.
It is important that all parties under the facilitation of the two Governments commit themselves to the full implementation of the Stormont House Agreement. I am listening closely to what the Deputy has said in that regard. Let me assure the House that it was always the intention that the current round of talks would be focused and intensive. There is no doubt that in recent days the talks have intensified and I expect this to continue. Both the Minister of State, Deputy Sherlock, and I will be in Belfast between now and the end of this week. The urgency indicated by the First Minister, Mr. Robinson, and the deputy First Minister, Mr. McGuinness, in recent days reflects my own sense that an agreement can be reached within a very short timeframe.
I must acknowledge that some challenges remain, with a number of crucial gaps that need to be bridged between the participants. It is not just a question of timing or of bringing matters to an urgent conclusion. It is also an issue of substance. It is important that all elements of the talks - the implementation of the Stormont House Agreement on the one hand, including questions around finance and welfare reform, and dealing with the legacy of the past, with reference to what Deputy Smith has said, as well as the impact and legacy of paramilitarism - be fully addressed now while we have the opportunity. These matters must be addressed in a meaningful way in advance of any agreed outcome.
Foreign Conflicts
Seán Crowe
Ceist:101. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the deteriorating situation in occupied Palestine; if he is aware of the blatant violations of international and human rights law, many of which have been caught on camera; his views that Palestinians living under such a brutal and violent occupation require international protection; and if he has raised concerns over these international and human rights violations with his Israeli counterpart. [37194/15]
As the Minister knows, conditions in Palestine are among the worst faced since its illegal occupation. We have all seen pictures on camera phones and cannot hide the reality of what is actually happening during the occupation. We have also heard eyewitness reports. Gaza is the world's biggest prison and the inhuman occupation of the West Bank and east Jerusalem negatively affects every facet of daily life. Since 13 September, 73 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli authorities while 2,200 have been arrested and 2,250 injured, many by plastic bullets. The international community has largely remained silent. I have not heard any statement from the Minister on the recent human rights and international violations. I know he is busy with the talks and so on but what are his plans in the face of such blatant violations? Has he raised the issue with the Israeli authorities or with his European counterparts?
The clearly deteriorating situation in Palestine and east Jerusalem, which is now spreading to other areas, is a matter of very great concern. The main factors are the operation of policies on the ground intended to push Palestinians out of Jerusalem in favour of settlers, the absence of any political process that might promise an end to this situation and, among Palestinians, the consequent loss of authority by political leaders and loss of belief in a political path forward. Tensions have been increased in recent months by a provocative challenge by minority elements in Israel to the long-respected status quo of the holy places and sites in Jerusalem.
To these now have been added a genuine alarm and fear among Israeli citizens caused by a number of sudden attacks, resulting in pressure for a tougher response by the authorities. The risk of an escalating spiral of violence is now very obvious.
In common with others, I deplore any resort to violent attacks on civilians, be they prompted by revenge or a sense of despair. Any response by the security forces needs to be proportionate. It is the job of local leaders on all sides to go beyond this and a mere security response and to address the underlying issues. I again urge all sides to refrain from any provocation and call on Israel to make clear - in practice as well as words - that the status quo on the Temple Mount will be restored and respected. I note that President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu have already taken some steps in this direction and I encourage them to continue.
More broadly, these events underline the message I have conveyed at international level since I took office. Political leadership, including from the international community, needs to address the problems of the relentless expansion of settlements and the absence of any process aiming at the end of the occupation.
I do not disagree with anything in the Minister's statement. We all want to see an end to violence but the reality seems to be that the Israeli Government continues its occupation, oppression and apartheid policies and Palestinians are subjected to extra-judicial killings. This is the most extreme and right-wing government Israel has had and its promotion of hate and impunity continues to kill the hopes and aspirations of Palestinians. In recent weeks, we have seen the spectacle of Prime Minister Netanyahu seeking to shift the blame for the crimes of the Holocaust from Hitler to the Palestinians.
I want to hear what we can do as a small country and what Europe can do. What will it take for Europe to act finally on these gross violations of international law? When will Ireland take a principled stance and demand an end to the preferable trade association agreement Israel enjoys? We can all see that it is getting worse. What action will we see, particularly from ourselves?
Many of us have seen the most disturbing video clips in recent times of civilians on both sides being killed. Some Israeli citizens have been murdered in clearly sectarian attacks. A greater number of Palestinian civilians have been killed, many of whom have not been directly involved in any attack. There are also concerns that so many of the attackers, despite lacking firearms, were shot dead rather than captured. I agree with Deputy Crowe that if this spiral of violence is not stopped, these tragedies will continue to mount. I repeat my clear call for an end to attacks on civilians.
Ireland continues to play a most important role at international level. The EU has stated clearly that all violence against civilians must end and that both sides should avoid any provocation. In addition, the EU has underlined that the lack of any clear political path is clearly exacerbating the sense of hopelessness that may have fuelled some of the recent attacks. I ask the Deputy and other Deputies to read carefully the content of an address by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini following her visit to Israel and Palestine two weeks ago.
During the past ten years, more than 11,000 attacks have been perpetrated by illegal Israeli settlers against the occupied Palestinian population and their properties. Does the Minister not agree that settlements are one of the biggest obstacles to peace? Will he push for an EU ban on the entry into the EU of goods produced in illegal settlements? If we cannot get this agreement, will he push for unilateral action?
I raised this with the previous Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and there was talk at that time it would be seriously considered. Would the Minister even consider the possibility of blacklisting illegal and violent settlers who want to enter the European Union? That has been suggested. The symbolism and impact of this would be very important. This is a call for action today. We can say we are concerned about what is happening and so on but unless we actually do something, the call for calm, peace and dialogue will fall on barren ground and we will not achieve anything. I appeal to the Minister to come forward with some unilateral action that Ireland can take on this matter.
I confirm that as far as Ireland and the Irish Government are concerned, a negotiated two-state solution is our goal. It has been for some time and continues to be. It also continues to be the objective of the European Union.
With particular reference to the settlements, the EU has consistently asserted that they are illegal and has condemned their continued expansion and all policies associated with that. I had the opportunity earlier this year to visit some of the land adjacent to the expanded settlement area and expressed my concern in a meeting with former foreign Minister, Mr. Lieberman. I do so on every occasion when I have an opportunity to register a complaint on behalf of the people of Ireland. I again assure the House that the EU continues to prepare guidelines to ensure that settlement goods may not be labelled in a misleading manner. I raised this earlier in the year. Following the intervention of the Irish Government on numerous occasions, this issue remains very much at the top of the agenda at European Foreign Affairs Council level. I expect to see progress on the issue of settlement goods on 11 November, and will be happy to report to the Deputy on that progress.
Human Rights Issues
Joe Higgins
Ceist:102. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the assistance provided to a person (details supplied) currently detained and awaiting trial in Egypt. [37200/15]
I want the Government to step up massively the attempt to secure the immediate release of Irish citizen, Ibrahim Halawa, unjustly imprisoned in an Egyptian jail for an unconscionable period.
I thank the Deputy for asking this question. It is one in which I have taken a very active role since becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade last year. Significant resources in Cairo and Dublin continue to be deployed in the provision of comprehensive consular assistance to this citizen. The key focus of our extensive engagement on this complex and sensitive case remains securing this citizen’s best interests in so far as we can, working to see him released by the Egyptian authorities at the earliest opportunity and providing consular support for his welfare while he remains in detention. I have had numerous discussions with my Egyptian counterpart about this case. My officials and I have extensive contact with the Egyptian ambassador in Dublin and there has been ongoing contact between our ambassador and embassy in Cairo and the Egyptian authorities. The Taoiseach also raised this case with President el-Sisi in September in New York. We continue to be in extensive contact with other international partners who have had citizens in similar situations.
This exceptional level of action has been taken by the Government and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade because of the exceptional nature of this case: he was a minor at the time of his arrest and the group nature of his trial gives rise to particular concerns.
I will continue to take all appropriate action that I believe to be in the best interests of this citizen. However, the reality is that any decision to release this citizen will ultimately be taken by the Egyptian authorities, not by the authorities in Dublin. Given that the trial is ongoing, the Government exercises care and caution to ensure its actions, both in public and private, will be well judged and not detract from our key goal of securing positive progress for this citizen at the earliest possible time. I am aware that there are those, including some in this House, who do not agree with the Government's approach, but I appeal to all those who have this citizen's best interests in mind to ensure their actions and public statements are not such that they could jeopardise our considered and concerted efforts to achieve positive progress for this citizen and his release at the earliest opportunity.
Notwithstanding what the Minister said, is it not clear that far more pressure needs to be put on the Egyptian Government regarding the need for the immediate release of Ibrahim Halawa? He is not just an Irish citizen in an Egyptian jail; he is, to my knowledge, the only European Union citizen in an Egyptian jail on a political charge. Is it not clear that the Irish Government should demand action that will avoid a trial? This is not a normal country with a normal judicial process. It is a dictatorship where 400 or 500 people have been put in a cage and are being tried together on charges that carry the death sentence. Has the Minister studied the case of the Australian journalist Peter Greste who was held on trumped-up charges but who was freed under law 140 of the Egyptian code, which provides for the deportation of an accused foreign national in Egypt to be dealt with under the law of his or her home state? Should the Minister not call for a presidential decree that this law be invoked? The Minister said the Taoiseach had met President el-Sisi in New York on the margins of the United Nations. Can the Minister tell us what was said and what the President of Egypt said in response? This information has not been relayed to the family.
I assure the Deputy that the Government has formally supported several applications that have been made by lawyers acting for and on behalf of this citizen for his release on bail and under a presidential decree. As an example of our ongoing interest in and commitment to this case, within the past hour I spoke at length to my colleague, the Egyptian foreign Minister, Mr. Sameh Shoukry. I spoke to him on a number of occasions during the summer. This afternoon my colleague, the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Sean Sherlock, will meet the Egyptian ambassador in Dublin. We will continue at every level, including at the level of the Taoiseach, to raise this issue.
I assure the Deputy that the family of this citizen is being and will continue to be kept fully informed of all developments. We have made numerous visits to the citizen in prison, most recently by our newly appointed ambassador to Cairo earlier this week. Every opportunity will be taken, both legally and politically, to ensure an earlier return.
I have studied the case of the two journalists and assure the Deputy that we have addressed the issue on the international stage. I have discussed it with my ministerial colleagues from the country of origin of the two journalists to whom the Deputy refers.
The European Union has substantial trade and other links with Egypt. Has the Minister made any strenuous representation to those in the appropriate senior positions in the European Union that they should put pressure on the Egyptian Government for the release of Ibrahim Halawa? The British Prime Minister, Mr. Cameron, is scheduled to meet President el-Sisi this week. Has the Minister had the opportunity to raise this issue with the British Prime Minister? To my knowledge Mr. Halawa is the only European Union citizen under unjust political detention in Egypt.
I understand the Minister was in Cairo on 12 October to discuss funding for the people of Gaza, which I fully support, of course. Has he brought back any first-hand report on the Ibrahim Halawa case from that visit?
I have not been to Cairo in recent times. However, on my visit to Cairo last year I certainly had an opportunity to raise the issue. As recently as 1 p.m. this afternoon I had the opportunity of direct engagement on the issue.
On the specific issue the Deputy raised regarding the international journalist, it is very clear to me from all the contacts I have made and from studying the various documentation that the position of the Egyptian authorities is such that the current trial process must be permitted to take its course before consideration can be given to any application for a presidential decree. Any decision is ultimately one for the Egyptian authorities.
I assure the Deputy that I have raised the issue on the international stage and will continue to do so. In particular I have raised it with High Representative, Federica Mogherini, high-level persons within the European Parliament and also with the foreign Ministers of the countries of origin of the journalists to whom the Deputy refers. Every effort will continue to be made until we see this citizen back on Irish soil.
Middle East Peace Process
Brendan Smith
Ceist:103. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline any new initiative that will be taken by the European Union on the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37186/15]
The establishment of a peacefully co-existent Israel and Palestine in light of long-standing violence in the Middle East would prove a substantial pillar of stability in ongoing efforts to stabilise that region. In recent weeks, High Representative Mogherini has taken part in meetings with the Quartet and bilateral discussions with the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Netanyahu, and President Abbas. Have new initiatives arisen from these interactions to bolster the Middle East peace process at European Union level in light of fresh violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict? We all know that stalemate in the peace process leads to increasing violence, despair and needless loss of life.
I have long warned of the danger of a peace process that is effectively in suspension and not visible on the ground. As I have previously reported to the House, I have consistently argued in the Foreign Affairs Council that the EU needs to retain a focus on the conflict in Israel and Palestine and to do more.
I am encouraged that High Representative, Federica Mogherini, has shared my concern, even in the face of many competing international crises.
In recent months, the Foreign Affairs Council has begun to consider what more the European Union can do and I expect that discussion to continue at the Council in November.
In her remarks to the European Parliament last week, High Representative Mogherini listed twin priorities of action on the ground to reduce tensions and rebuild confidence and to build the conditions for renewed negotiations for the resumption of the peace process. During her visit to the region in the previous week, she stressed that message to both Israeli and Palestinian leaders.
We all know that we are at a most difficult point for the start of such an endeavour. Mistrust and misunderstanding between the two sides are perhaps higher now than they have been for many years. It is hoped the recent tragic events have opened the eyes of all responsible leaders to the price of the current inaction. If a political path is not laid out to bring an element of assurance and the current unacceptable occupation to an end, we will continue to see a further deterioration in relations in what is a tragic situation. I will have an opportunity to resume debate at European Union level at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, which I understand is due to be held the week after next.
I exhort the Minister to ensure this issue will be on the agenda for every single Foreign Affairs Council meeting. He is aware that violent clashes erupted in September between Israeli security officials and Palestinians at the al-Aqsa mosque compound in east Jerusalem. Unfortunately, we have since witnessed once again a new wave of violence and a number of fatalities on both sides of the conflict. The violence continues to put at further risk the viability of a two-state solution. The Minister is also aware that one of his predecessors as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Brian Lenihan Snr., launched that policy and that this was the first European Union country to outline the policy and commit itself to it. Will he inform the House of the efforts being made to de-escalate the violence and come to an agreement, in particular on the disputed holy sites, which have become an issue in recent times, with the many other issues of conflict and the necessity to protect innocent people from further violence to themselves and their communities?
It is important that every effort be made on the part of politicians both in the region and on the international stage to ensure there is a meaningful process, without which people on both extremes resort to violence. It is important in the first instance that a measure of respect be shown to the status quo on the matter of holy places and sites. Full respect must be restored and maintained.
It is the continued view of the Government that a negotiated two-state solution is the objective and the most important goal of this country and the European Union. It is important that we ask the question of what the alternative is. There does not appear to be any convincing response other than the continued objective of a two-state solution. That will involve vision and leadership, which must primarily come from within the Israeli and Palestinian groups. The international community has a role to play. It is important that it continue to persevere and that we do not under any circumstance abandon hope, as we have a strong and positive role to play in bringing the parties together around the table. From our perspective on the island of Ireland, we may have a continued positive and active role to play in that regard.
As a nation, we know better than many the despair and waste of pointless brutality and sectarian violence.
As the beneficiary of international support for its own peace process, Ireland has a moral duty to find its voice and to use it to oppose the continuing violence in Israel and Palestine. I reiterate that, together with colleagues in government, the Minister must take every opportunity in every forum available, be it at the United Nations, the European Union or other international fora, to continue to highlight the injustice being perpetrated on innocent people in that region, as well as the need to move that peace process forward in a meaningful way. While all Members are committed to the two-state solution, the continuous annexation of lands by the Israelis makes that particular solution even more problematic.
To conclude, has the Minister engaged recently with either the Palestinian or Israeli representatives in Ireland regarding the present tensions in that region and, in particular, its escalation since September? Is the Minister aware of new initiatives being taken by the international community to try to progress some of the measures contained in previous agreements that would have brought some progress to different aspects of the conflict? Are efforts being made by the international community to advance or bring into being the aforementioned agreements that were signed some time ago?
The Minister, to conclude. We are a bit over time.
It is important that the international community continues to exhort, influence and advocate, in so far as it can, continued encouragement for the two-state solution. I believe it is important in the first instance that measures be taken to de-escalate the violent activity in Jerusalem and the region. The expansion of the settlements continues to narrow the window of possibility of bringing together both sides in an atmosphere of constructive engagement. I have raised these issues consistently in the context of my discussions with Israeli representatives and interlocutors. I keep in contact with representatives of the Palestinian mission in Dublin and of the Israeli Embassy. It is important that the international community continue to show engagement and I expect fresh initiatives in the coming months. I expect the matter will be high on the agenda of the forthcoming meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council, after which I will be happy to report to the Deputy and the House.
Thank you.
However, the cost of abandoning the two-state solution will not be borne by the international community alone but by all Israelis and all Palestinians and it, of course, remains the best hope for the future of politics in the region.
Foreign Conflicts
Seán Crowe
Ceist:104. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he is aware of the twin bombing attack on a peace rally in Ankara, Turkey, which was organised by the People's Democratic Party; that the death toll currently stands at 102, according to the public prosecutor’s office; that this is the third such attack at the party's rallies since June 2015; that it is the only party to be targeted like this; and his plans to express concerns over the apparent inability of the Turkish security services to protect its citizens attending such peaceful rallies, especially in the run-up to elections due to be held on 1 November 2015. [37195/15]
This question to the Minister was tabled before the elections in Turkey took place and concerned the attack in Ankara in which 102 people were killed. I asked whether the Minister was concerned about the lack of security services to protect citizens attending peaceful and democratic rallies, especially during the run-up to the election. I note that three months earlier, there was a bombing in Suruç after which the Turkish Government rounded up 2,500 people, the majority of whom were Kurds, who had been the victims of the attack in Suruç. In addition, 114 members of ISIS are supposed to have been lifted as part of that response. However, this has moved on to the question of the election itself and the next question I will ask the Minister is whether he is concerned about what happened.
The appalling attack on the peace rally in Ankara on 10 October, in which 102 people lost their lives and many more suffered serious injuries, was shocking to us all. I wish to reiterate my condemnation of this attack, which the Turkish authorities believe was carried out by individuals linked to Islamic State. In a statement, I expressed my condolences to the families of the deceased, to those who were injured, and to the people of Turkey. I personally visited the Turkish Embassy and signed the book of condolences. I offer my condolences once more today in the House. The ambassador of Ireland in Ankara was among a group of EU ambassadors who visited the site of the attack on 12 October and laid flowers in tribute to the victims.
I also condemn the earlier terrorist attacks, including on a People’s Democratic Party, HDP, rally in south-eastern Turkey on 5 June and a Kurdish youth centre in southern Turkey on 20 July. It is worrying that the terrorist attacks have largely focused on HDP-related events. I regret the resurgence of violence in Turkey. The integrity of the democratic process must be respected at all times. There is no place for violence in this process.
The Turkish authorities have strongly committed to doing everything in their power to ensure the safety of all Turkish citizens, including by increased security measures. In this context, it is welcome that the elections which took place on Sunday, 1 November, were held in a largely peaceful manner. The breakdown of the PKK ceasefire is regrettable. I reiterate my call that all sides exercise the utmost restraint. Ireland is very supportive of the peace process between the Turkish authorities and the Kurds. Through the work of the conflict resolution unit of my Department, financial assistance is provided for an international NGO which has facilitated study visits to Ireland by Turkish and Kurdish MPs, journalists and advisers working for peace.
Officials in my Department and at our embassy in Ankara will continue to monitor developments in Turkey closely.
I am surprised by the Minister's reply. On Monday the elections observer, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, OSCE, observed that the Turkish elections had been unfair and overshadowed by a climate of fear. This echoes the claim made by the HDP that it had been unable to campaign effectively because it had been busy trying to negotiate an end to violence in the predominantly Kurdish south east. The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, PACE, went further and denounced the entire process as unfair. I have also heard reports that electricity was cut off in certain parts of the country and of the removal of ballot boxes by army personnel. There were a number of difficulties surrounding the elections, in the run-up to which thousands of people were arrested, many of whom had been the victims of violent attacks. Is the Minister concerned that these statements on how unfair the elections process was contradict his that the election campaign was relatively peaceful? As an outsider looking in, I would have the opposite view.
Turkey is facing a very difficult and challenging situation, not least following the horrific bombing in Ankara on 10 October. It faces internal and external challenges. It is an extremely important partner of the European Union, in particular, as we frame our collective response to the current migrant crisis. The Turkish elections held earlier this week which followed the inconclusive result in June, therefore, took place in a particularly difficult and sensitive context. The fact that they were held in an open manner is, I believe, not unimportant. I welcome the peaceful conduct of the elections on Sunday and look forward to working with the new government in an open and constructive manner on many issues of mutual concern, both on a bilateral basis and in the context of Turkey's importance as a partner of the European Union. It is important that the elections have taken place in an open and free manner and in accordance with the norms of democracy. The preliminary OSCE report and assessment highlights that election day was largely peaceful, that the elections were organised in a professional manner and that the count process was transparent. However, I accept that there has been robust criticism of the lack of media freedom and that the incidents of violence which characterised the campaign period were real. Nevertheless, it is important that we continue to work with the new government in a spirit of positivity.
There was a particularly brutal crackdown on the media in the days leading up to the elections. Also, there was an increasingly volatile political climate. Last Wednesday Turkish police raided the offices of the main opposition media company and forced two television companies to close, yet the Minister said there was relative calm. It may appear that there was relative calm from this side of the Irish Sea, but what seemed to be happening in many communities was far from calm. Also, from what we saw on our television screens and reports coming back, clearly there was a problem.
The main focus of the last European Council meeting was on the issue of refugees. Many European governments are seeking to use Turkey as a bulwark against refugees seeking to reach the European Union. Is it now part of the narrative that for some reason we ignore Turkey's deplorable human rights record, especially against the Kurds, and its permanent role in the Syrian conflict in dealing with the issue of refugees? Many of the refugees fleeing Turkey are Kurds and sending them back would lead to the creation of even greater human rights violations. Is the Minister saying we are rewarding the Turkish Government for acting as a bulwark against refugees seeking to reach the European Union?
We will continue to engage with the new Turkish Government on a bilateral basis. I had the opportunity to visit Turkey earlier this year and also through the European Union. I assure the Deputy, lest there be any doubt, that Ireland continues to be a strong supporter of the peace talks between the Turkish Government and the Kurdish Workers' Party. We have been encouraged by the ceasefire which has been in place since 2013 and by a number of positive signals in the meantime. This only makes the recent breakdown of the ceasefire and subsequent violence all the more regrettable. I again urge all sides to exercise maximum restraint and work towards the reinstatement of the ceasfire as soon as possible. Ireland continues to believe a fair and lasting solution to the conflict can only be reached through democratic and peaceful means.