Dublin — Responding to a question by the Parliament regarding Ireland's position on human rights in Western Sahara, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Mr. Eamon Gilmore said that his country "closely follows" the situation of human rights in Western Sahara.

With regard to the subject of Moroccan martial trial of 25 Saharawi activists, the Minter said that he shares concern with the Parliament over the situation of these activists, confirming that his ministry's staff following the situation closely and the course of appeal process regarding the military court judgments.

He, therefore, indicated that Irish government will continue to address urgently the issue to the Moroccans during their ongoing bilateral meetings, and will inform Rabat about the deep concern for the grave violations of human rights in Western Sahara, mainly the reports related to arbitrary arrests, detention and ill-treatment against rights defenders.