Martin Meets UN Secretary-General During New York Visit

Last week Foreign Minister Michael Martin met with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. 

Amongst other issues, they discussed the Middle East, Sudan/Chad, Nuclear Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Sri Lanka, Burma, Climate Change and UN Reform.

Speaking after the Meeting, the Minister said: "I was delighted to meet with Secretary-General Ban, to whom I emphasised Ireland's strong commitment to and support for the UN, which remains a cornerstone of Ireland's foreign policy. 

"I assured the Secretary-General that Ireland remains committed to participating in United Nations peacekeeping efforts in Chad, following our heavy involvement in the EUFOR mission. 

"I expressed concern at recent developments in Chad, and at the possibility of further conflict between rebels and Government forces.  MINURCAT, and the Irish contingent serving with it, is performing an invaluable role in assisting with temporary evacuation and providing shelter for NGO and humanitarian personnel forced to flee the threat of renewed fighting."

On Sudan, Minister Martin expressed "grave concern" about the impact on the living conditions of internally displaced persons arising from the expulsion of humanitarian agencies.  He emphasised that ensuring continued humanitarian access is a key priority for Ireland and that the International Criminal Court (ICC) remains a vital tool in the fight against impunity.

He also reiterated his endorsement of the Secretary-General's statement at this week's Preparatory Committee of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and emphasized that "we can not afford to place nuclear disarmament on 'the back-burner'."

"His reference to the 'apocalyptic threat' of nuclear weapons concentrated minds on the urgency of the task we face. 

"The new positive atmosphere on nuclear disarmament is in no small part due to President Obama's undertaking to work to strengthen the NPT, and to the recent engagement between the US and Russia on reducing their nuclear arsenals."

Minister Martin also discussed the humanitarian crisis in the conflict zone in Sri Lanka with the Secretary-General, commending the role of UN agencies on the ground, as well as the Secretary-General's own efforts to address the situation.

He also engaged with the Secretary-General on the issue of Climate Change expressing appreciation for "his critical leadership on this crucial issue.

"Ireland agrees on the importance of a successful outcome in Copenhagen next December on a comprehensive global treaty to succeed the Kyoto Protocol.

"Notwithstanding my concerns as to the lack of credibility of the electoral process in Burma," he continued,

"I stressed the need for everything possible to be done to try to make next year's elections inclusive, free and fair.  I also stressed that every effort must be made to secure the release of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners. 

"I committed Ireland to maintaining its active engagement in the process of UN Reform and I was very gratified that the Secretary-General acknowledged Ireland's longstanding leadership in this area.

The Foreign Minister also commended the Secretary General for "the decisive action by him and the UN as well as the World Health Organisation in response to the H1N1 virus."