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Foreign Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2020

Tuesday, 6 October 2020

Ceisteanna (122, 129, 138)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

122. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps Ireland is taking to show solidarity with the people of Belarus at this time of unrest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27751/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Cormac Devlin

Ceist:

129. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation in Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28354/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Barry Cowen

Ceist:

138. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the current situation in Belarus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28482/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 122, 129 and 138 together.

The deteriorating human rights situation in Belarus is appalling and Ireland strongly supports the Belorussian people in their clear and simple demands for free and fair elections and to have their basic human rights respected.

Even before the 9 August election, Ireland, and the EU, highlighted concerns regarding crackdowns on the freedom of assembly and arbitrary detentions in advance of the election at the Human Rights Council. Since then the situation has become considerably more grave.

We have seen indiscriminate mass detentions, including of minors, credible reports of torture and ill-treatment of those detained, forced exiles and disappearances, and curtailments of media freedoms, including internet shutdowns.

Ireland acted quickly and clearly to these events. I, and Minster of State Byrne made statements expressing our deep concern following the use of State violence against peaceful protesters. We have called for the immediate and unconditional release of those unjustly detained, for an end to the violence, and for a sustainable and peaceful resolution through dialogue.

This was also the message I conveyed during a UN Security Council Members meeting on 4 September and at the 45th Session of the Human Rights Council, where Ireland also supported a Joint Statement expressing concern at internet shutdowns.

We have condemned the actions of the Belorussian authorities and Ireland has continued to work with other EU Member States to ensure a firm EU response. We support the imposition of targeted sanctions against those responsible for the falsification of the election result and the use of State violence against the Belorussian people. However, sanctions are just one element of a broader response, and we are working constructively with our EU partners on a review of EU-Belarus relations.

The Taoiseach has spoken to opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, who has a well-known connection to this country having spent many summers here in her youth. I met Mrs. Tsikhanouskaya, along with several other EU Foreign Ministers, in Brussels on 21 September. We both commended her on her bravery and expressed the support of the Irish people to the people of Belarus.

The recent secretive so-called 'inauguration' of Lukashenko lacks any democratic legitimacy. We will maintain our call for the authorities to engage in meaningful dialogue for fresh elections that are independently observed. The OSCE, of which Belarus is a member, has offered to visit Minsk and help facilitate talks and we will continue to encourage the authorities to grasp this offer with both hands and to uphold their OSCE commitments.

The future of Belarus is for the people alone to decide in fresh elections. Ireland will remain steadfast in our support for the Belorussian people as they continue to defend their rights and democratic principles.

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