Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 10 Feb 1993

Vol. 425 No. 7

Written Answers. - Cambodian Peace Plan.

Nora Owen

Question:

41 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the issues of the breakdown of agreement in Cambodia, where the Khmer Rouge is still conducting mass killings and intimidation of the people, with his colleagues at EC level and at the UN; and if he will give details of the conditions of the Irish personnel in Cambodia.

Helen Keogh

Question:

60 Ms. Keogh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will ask Members of the United Nations Security Council about the non-compliance of the Khmer Rouge with the United Nations peace plan for Cambodia.

Trevor Sargent

Question:

93 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will raise the issue of Cambodia and the non-compliance of the Khmer Rouge with the UN peace plan with members of the UN Security Council meeting in mid-February, 1993.

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 41, 60 and 93 together.

The Government continues to follow developments in Cambodia very closely and is particularly anxious to see the UN peace plan fully implemented. We believe this plan provides the best way forward for Cambodia.

The holding of free and fair elections from 23 to 25 May next is the critical element in the UN peace plan. By registering to vote the overwhelming majority of the people of Cambodia have clearly indicated their wish to exercise their democratic rights.

I am not aware of any reports of recent mass killings by the Khmer Rouge. Nonetheless, reports of Khmer Rouge actions against personnel from the United Nations Transitional Authority are very disturbing. I wish to reiterate Ireland's full support for UNTAC and I condemn any attempt to undermine its operation.

The Security Council is fully seized of the problem posed by the Khmer Rouge. In discussing the issue last week the Council was concerned about the recent outbreak of fighting. In addition, last November the Council deplored the failure of the Khmer Rouge to meet its obligations under the Paris Agreements and imposed sanctions on the trade in logs and gems particularly from the areas controlled by the Khmer Rouge.

The UN Secretary General intends to visit Cambodia in April and will report his findings to the Security Council. I await with interest his report and his analysis of the current situation. In the run-up to the elections, Ireland and our partners in the Twelve will continue to follow developments in Cambodia very closely.

The conditions facing Irish personnel with UNTAC in Cambodia are difficult due to the severe climatic conditions and the poor infrastructure in a country devastated by over a decade of civil war. As UNTAC has become more established there has been some improvement in living conditions. I would like to take this opportunity to extend the deep appreciation of the Government to those personnel from the Army and the Garda Síochána who have represented Ireland with such distinction with the United Nations force in Cambodia.