Gaza, Palestine and Azerbaijan
Senator Leyden praises the Foreign Affairs Minister’s visit to Gaza and seeks debates on Gaza, Palestine, Israel and Azerbaijan, including the Khojaly atrocity.
I commend the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Charles Flanagan, for his trip to the Gaza region, although it did not receive much coverage. It was very courageous of him to go there. I would like to ask the Leader if he will arrange for the Minister to come to this House for a general discussion on the regional situation in Gaza, Palestine and Israel and for a separate discussion on the situation in Azerbaijan, which does not get much coverage. Between 25 and 26 February 1992 - 23 years ago - 613 men, women and children were killed in an atrocity in Khojaly. A serious conflict is ongoing in the Nagorno-Karabakh area, but it receives very little coverage. A debate on the issue in this House would be worthwhile. Last Monday night, 16 February, I had the honour of launching the premiere of a film, "Endless Corridors", which is narrated by Jeremy Irons, in the Light House cinema in Dublin. It is worth seeing.
I welcome the recommendation of the new ambassador from the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Tahir Taghizadeh, who has been assigned to London and Dublin. While Mr. Taghizadeh presented his credentials last November in London, he has not yet been given the opportunity of presenting them here. When an ambassador is assigned to a country there should not be a delay on the part of the Minister responsible in providing that ambassador with an opportunity to present his or her credentials to President Michael D. Higgins. I rang the Department yesterday. The matter is under way. I would like to see more action by the Government when it comes to trade, foreign affairs and relationships. It is wrong that the ambassador has been left waiting for the past few months to present his credentials to the President. There is trade involved.
Comment on this
I am constantly showing how ineffective the Government is. It is inefficient and not progressive enough. I am trying to assist it in its work.
Comment on this
I rang the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade before raising the matter in the House. I hope the Leader will provide an opportunity for the Minister to come to the House to discuss important foreign affairs and trade issues.