Written Answers Nos. 54-61
55. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the decision of the Austrian Government to recall its troops serving on the UN mission in the Golan Heights after the European Union decided not to renew its arms embargo on Syria; and if he has discussed it with his Austrian counterpart. [30767/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe escalation of the Syrian conflict has had a direct impact on the operation of United Nations peacekeeping missions in the region and the safety of personnel at these missions. Both of the United Nations peacekeeping missions operating in Syria and neighbouring countries, the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) and the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation (UNTSO), have experienced direct fire on their personnel and facilities. Groups of peacekeepers serving with the UNDOF mission have on two occasions been detained for prolonged periods by armed elements. I condemn all attacks on, or threats against, United Nations peacekeepers, for which there can be no justification.
Austria has served for many years in UNDOF but has decided, in the light of current conditions, to withdraw its troops from that operation. While I have not discussed this with my Austrian counterpart, I fully respect the decision of the Austrian Government.
The priority for the United Nations is to strengthen the UNDOF mission, which is now quite exposed as the confrontation between Government and opposition forces in Syria spills over into the Golan Heights area. As a measure of our support for the United Nations’ peacekeeping missions, Ireland responded positively to a request received last April to provide personnel for the UNDOF headquarters. Three members of the Permanent Defence Force were recently deployed to the mission and a fourth member will be deployed to UNDOF in the coming weeks. I think that there will be particular appreciation on the part of the UN for Ireland’s willingness to provide personnel in these difficult and dangerous circumstances.
56. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Afghan Government has taken over complete control of security in the country; his views on whether this is a positive and timely development; and his views on the recent breakdown in negotiations between the Afghan Government and the Taliban. [30774/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is referring to the announcement on 18 June of the beginning of the final phase of the Transition process that will see the Afghan National Security Forces take full responsibility for security across Afghanistan by the end of 2014. I hope that this will enable Afghanistan to make further progress towards the goal of becoming a peaceful, self-governing and democratic state, based on respect for human rights, including the rights of Afghan women, and on respect for the rule of law.
There are, however, significant challenges. Afghanistan is facing a complex and difficult transition period. Although progress has been made in many areas, this progress remains fragile and reversible.
I believe that success in achieving the overall transition and stabilising Afghanistan will depend to a crucial extent on the political progress made in relation to reconciliation and peace-building and on longer-term state-building.
It is widely accepted that there is a need for a strong and inclusive political process in Afghanistan. I believe – and there is a growing international consensus to this effect - that dialogue with the Taliban and the inclusion of regional neighbours in the peace dialogue are essential to the prospects for longer-term peace and the building of a stable, democratic and prosperous Afghanistan.
57. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will outline Ireland's participation and contribution to the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe during the Ukrainian Chairperson-in-Office, the immediate successor to the Irish chairmanship in 2012; the work he and his officials engaged in with their counterparts in the Ukraine during the handover period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30656/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs outgoing Chair-in-Office of the OSCE, Ireland is a member of the OSCE Troika this year, with current Chair-in-Office Ukraine, and Switzerland, which will assume the Chairmanship of the OSCE in 2014. Ireland has shared its experience of chairing the Organisation extensively with both Ukraine and Switzerland at official level and remains in close contact with the Missions of both countries in Vienna, the headquarters of the OSCE.As a member of the Troika, Ireland has participated in a number of meetings this year, including most recently the High Level Conference on Combating Trafficking in Human Beings, which took place in Kiev from 10-11 June. Ireland’s Ambassador to the OSCE, Eoin O’Leary also participated in the EU-OSCE Ministerial Troika which took place in Vienna on 5 June. Ireland attends and actively participates in the weekly Troika meetings at Ambassador-level in Vienna.
In addition to participating in the Troika, Ireland also chairs the Asian Partners for Co-operation Group, consisting of five countries in the Asia Pacific region, with a special relationship with the OSCE. The chairmanship facilitates ongoing dialogue and joint activities with the Asian Partners for Co-operation and participates in the annual conference of the Partners.
Ireland will also participate in a two-week long OSCE Youth Summit, which is being organised by the Ukrainian Chairmanship in Office in the Crimea in July.
58. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the continuing deterioration of the political situation in Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30756/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe general political and security situation in Libya remains fragile. The persistence of armed militias in many parts of southern and eastern Libya, and the widespread availability of arms in general, continue to pose serious threats to the stability of the state. Most recently, heavy fighting broke out in Benghazi on June 15th after an unidentified militia attacked government troops, killing five soldiers and a civilian. A week previously, in one of the most serious incidents since the end of the civil war in 2011, an estimated 35 people died in a separate confrontation near a militia barracks which resulted in the militia in question being expelled. Such episodes have exposed the problems faced by Prime Minister Zidan and his Government in exerting control over the entire country, particularly in rural and tribal areas where the state has traditionally had little or no presence. Border security is also critically important given the limited capacity of the Government to control its territory and the possible impact of militants returning from Mali. On the political front, there are serious concerns, both inside and outside Libya, about the likely implications of the adoption of a recent political exclusion law by the General National Congress which is aimed at banning anyone linked to the Gaddafi regime from participating in government. It has already resulted in the resignation of the President of the GNC, Mohammed Magarief, and could yet lead to other members of the current Government being forced to resign. It is a development which does not bode well for overall reconciliation within the country and which has been criticised by the UN for further weakening Libya’s already fragile state institutions. The strong support for this law expressed by various militias, which led them to blockade various Government ministries prior to its adoption, only underlines the urgent need for progress on security sector reform within Libya.
Nevertheless, we must not lose sight of the enormous progress which has been made since the fall of the Gadaffi regime less than two years ago. The holding of Libya’s first democratic elections in July 2012 was a momentous achievement and the new Government has made significant progress in many areas, including the drafting of a new constitution.
Ireland and other partners are continuing to offer all possible support and assistance to the Libyan Government and people as the process of transition continues. The EU will be shortly deploying a new civilian CSDP mission to assist the Libyan authorities in the area of border management. The EU has also stated its willingness to negotiate an Association Agreement with Libya to develop a more formal framework for assistance and cooperation.
On a bilateral basis, Ireland is advancing practical cooperation with the new administration in Libya in a number of key strategic areas of mutual interest, including trade, education and health. My Department also continues to work to facilitate political-level contacts with the new Libyan Government.
59. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention was drawn to the recent Belfast: A City of Equals in an Island of Equals cross community conference; and if he supports the objectives of the conference. [30777/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI read with interest a report on the proceedings of the Belfast conference. It is the fixed policy of this government to support the Northern Ireland Executive and all the political parties in Northern Ireland as they address the challenge of securing a shared, peaceful and prosperous future for all the people of Northern Ireland.
I welcome the call at the conference that a future for Northern Ireland should be built on the principles of equality, mutual respect and parity of esteem and I also welcome the call for an inclusive public discourse on reconciliation.
I look forward to the implementation of the measures announced by the First and Deputy First Minister last month in their Together: Building a United Community document, including the establishment of an All Party Group with an independent chair to consider and make recommendations on matters including, parades, flags and dealing with the past.
60. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he intends to enshrine Article V of the 1907 Hague Convention regarding the rights and duties of neutral states, in view of the fact that Ireland acceded to the 1907 Hague Convention in 2002; and his views on the future of Irish neutrality. [29126/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland is not a party to the Hague Convention (V) respecting the Rights and Duties of Neutral Powers and Persons in Case of War on Land, and there are no plans for it to become one. Incorporation of its provisions into domestic law accordingly does not arise. The Government is fully committed to Ireland’s traditional policy of military neutrality, which will remain a lynchpin of our foreign policy for the foreseeable future.
Over the years, this policy, involving non-participation in military alliances, has served us well. It has helped us to speak with a distinctive and independent voice on many of the key challenges facing the world in relation to the maintenance of international peace and security. It has also reinforced our ability to contribute effectively to international peacekeeping operations and conflict resolution efforts. Successive Governments have not interpreted neutrality as meaning that Ireland should avoid international engagement. Rather, they have considered that it enhances our capacity to make a direct and significant contribution to the promotion of global peace and stability through the UN, the European Union and in bilateral action. In common with several other neutral and non-aligned States, Ireland will continue to participate in peace operations authorised by the United Nations, whether these are undertaken under direct UN command or are led by the European Union or by NATO.
