Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2004
20 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the nature of discussions he held with the US President during the recent meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Group of Eight industrialised nations in Washington; if he raised the US mistreatment of prisoners in Iraq; and the response given by the US President. [18838/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 14 May I attended a meeting between G8 Foreign Ministers and President Bush in Washington. Iraq, the Middle East Peace Process and relations with the wider region and peace support operations were discussed.
President Bush acknowledged that there were differences within the international community in the past on Iraq. He stressed the need for a cohesive international response to ensure a successful democratic transition in Iraq. He also emphasised the central role of the United Nations in Iraq going forward.
President Bush emphasised his disgust, and the disgust of the American people, at the mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners at the Abu Ghraib prison in Baghdad. He stressed his determination that justice be done and that the individuals involved be held accountable. He was in no doubt about the international criticism and outrage that had resulted from appalling events in Abu Ghraib. He condemned the mistreatment of prisoners in the strongest terms.
We discussed the G8's plans for a partnership for progress and a common future in the region of the broader Middle East and North Africa and the Middle East Peace Process. The President reiterated his support for a two state solution and the emergence of a peaceful Palestinian state through the road map process. We also had a brief discussion on the G8 action plan on peace support operations. At that time it was confirmed that the G8 remains committed to providing substantial support to accelerate and expand current efforts to enhance global capability for peacekeeping operations.
