Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:105 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he took through the UN or EU in relation to the mistreatment of prisoners in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18965/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 24 June 2004
Ceisteanna (106)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government has reiterated its abhorrence at the mistreatment of prisoners in Iraqi prisons time and again. Ireland also made known its concerns directly to the authorities in London and Washington when the allegations of abuse first came to light.
The European Union has, in very clear language, strongly and publicly condemned any instances of abuse and degradation of prisoners in Iraq as contrary to international law, including the Geneva Conventions. The 25 member states of the Union did so together with our eight Arab partners at the Euro-Mediterranean meeting of Foreign Ministers held in Dublin on 5 and 6 May. This was the result of an Irish Presidency proposal. At the same time, we acknowledged the commitment of both Governments to bring to justice those responsible for such abuses and also their commitment to rectify any failure to adhere to international humanitarian law.
The EU Council of Ministers, acting upon the initiative of the Irish Presidency, repeated this condemnation in conclusions following its meeting on 17 May and again following the meeting with the Gulf Arab states on the same day. The Council also referred to the report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on the situation in Iraq which was presented on 4 June and called for action to be taken on the recommendations contained in this report.