2021: A YEAR TO SHOW THE VISION - A FRESH START - MARY LOU MCDONALD TD - SINN FEIN
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INTERNATIONAL BULLETIN
November 2020 – February 2021
2021: A year to show the vision
and ambition needed to deliver
a fresh start – Mary Lou McDonald TD
Writing in An Phoblacht, Sinn Féin President
Mary Lou McDonald TD - in her New Year’s
message - has said 2021 is the time to show
“We need to deepen
the vision and the ambition needed to the conversation
deliver a fresh start, saying that weaknesses
exposed by the Covid-19 pandemic has made about Irish Unity and
the desire for change even stronger.
The full text of Mary Lou McDonald’s New the Irish government
Year’s message is below:
“The past year has been really hard for
needs to start
everybody and we still face massive chal- planning, because
lenges as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
It is really important over the coming days the reality is that
and weeks to follow public health advice,
stay safe and look after each other. However, we cannot afford
there is light at the end of the tunnel as the
vaccination programme is being rolled-out.
partition - working
We know that this pandemic will not last
forever and life will start to return to normal
together on the island
in the coming year. is the best way to
“For many, the last year has been about
re-evaluating priorities. This started during secure our future.”
the General Election campaign and has con-
Mary Lou McDonald TD
tinued since then.
“It is hard to believe that the election was
almost a year ago. It was an election called stronger because people know things can’t making sure they see their future here in
because the Fine Gael Minister for Health go on like this any longer. Ireland and not the far side of the world.
faced a motion of no-confidence because “2021 is the time to show the vision and “We need to ensure that when you have
the health system was on the verge of the ambition that is needed to deliver a worked hard all of your life that you have
collapse; with staff leaving in their droves, fresh start. the right to retire on a State pension at 65
elderly people left to suffer for days on hos- “We need to continue to support people in if you want to.
pital trolleys and out of control waiting lists. the coming months so that businesses can “We need to deepen the conversation
“We had an out of touch government that re-open and people can get back to work - about Irish Unity and the Irish govern-
supported developers and landlords, while but we need to do much more than that. ment needs to start planning, because the
working families were unable to afford “A fresh start means being able to reality is that we cannot afford partition -
a home, rents spiralled and people who afford the roof over your head, and we working together on the island is the best
worked hard all of their lives were told they need the biggest affordable and social way to secure our future.
would have to line up at the dole queue at housing programme in the history of “Finally, I want to thank all of our mem-
65. the State - not big pay days for wealthy bers and supporters and our elected rep-
“It was the strong desire for change and a developers and big landlords. We need to resentatives for all of your efforts over the
better future that saw so many people plac- make homes affordable for workers again last year. I also want to thank our friends
ing their trust in us as Sinn Féin received a and out of control rents must be tackled right around the world, particularly in the
historic vote and our support has continued head-on. US and Canada. And I want to wish all of
to grow since. “We need to sort out our health services you a safe and happy New Year.
“The weaknesses exposed by the pandem- once and for all - and that starts with “Keep the faith. We will get through this
ic have made that desire for change even treating frontline workers properly and together.”
@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational
2 INTERNATIONAL
BULLETIN
Michelle O’Neill, Sinn Féin vice president OPINION PIECE:
One year ago the Executive
was restored following nego-
tiations and the publication
of the New Decade, New Ap-
proach by the governments.
The five Executive parties
“the economic
agreed to cooperate on the
basis of openness, transpar-
impacts of covid
ency and accountability and
to deliver on health, educa-
tion and jobs.
and brexit have
We made it clear it would
not be a return to the status
reinforced the
quo, it would be a new era of
government.
Covid-19 changed the way
need to rebuild
governments work across the
world.
our economy on a
The last year has rein-
forced the vital importance
of having locally elected
fairer, more equal,
ministers, working with min-
isterial colleagues across the
all-ireland basis.”
island, taking decisions in
the best interests of all. Michelle O’Neill MLA
Our communities minister
stepped up to coordinate
and support the community
response to Covid, providing
funding to those most in
need.
Our finance minister acted
to make financial support We acted on people’s One year on from New not shirk its responsibilities.
available to businesses, rights; lifting the ban on gay Decade, New Approach huge Despite these challenges
workers and their families to men donating blood, pro- challenges remain. Many we face new opportunities,
help them through this. gressing marriage equality, pledges are still unrealised. where we can shape a new
The Executive has shown making plans to ban so- At the heart of the Execu- Ireland for everyone.
we can do things differently called conversion therapies tive’s return was a commit- The economic impacts of
to what went before. and taking steps to end ment to power sharing and Covid and Brexit have rein-
The pandemic changed the holiday hunger. equality. forced the need to rebuild
priorities of ministers but The restoration of the po- That is why legislation to our economy on a fairer,
we still must tackle disad- litical institutions also meant ensure respect and protec- more equal, all-Ireland basis.
vantage, address regional that the north-south bodies tion for the Irish language People rightly expect the
imbalance and deliver better of the GFA are back up and and identity is so important parties to work together and
government. running. and needs to be enacted as while we have distinctly dif-
When The Executive Office The benefits and necessi- soon as possible. ferent outlooks, our shared
green-lighted the Magee ty to cooperate across the The British government commitment must be to
Medical School it sent a clear island in response to the has reneged once again on provide political leadership,
message that this Executive pandemic became abundant- pledges in New Decade, New and deliver public services
is committed to tackling ly clear. We must improve Approach and in the Stor- for taxpayers.
historic underfunding. When this coordination but it has mont House Agreement to This means looking beyond
the communities minister already proved invaluable. deal with the legacy of the Brexit and beyond the union;
announced the biggest shake We are also dealing past. It is unacceptable it to a new Ireland with the
up of public housing for 40 with the continuing Brexit continues to frustrate fami- whole island back in the EU
years it was obvious we are uncertainty. The Assembly lies seeking the truth on the through a referendum on
in a new era. successively voted to reflect killings of their loved ones. Irish unity.
The Executive moved swift- the northern majority who The Irish government must The future holds great op-
ly to resolve the nurses’ pay rejected and continue to also deliver its financial com- portunities and we must all
dispute to ensure these front reject the reckless Brexit, mitments in New Decade, work together to seize them
line healthcare workers get recognising the harm it will New Approach and ensure for the benefit of everyone.
the pay they deserve. have here. the British government does
@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational
3 INTERNATIONAL
BULLETIN
‘Sinn Féin reiterate solidarity with
imprisoned Catalan leaders during
online prison visit’ – Kearney
Sinn Féin’s National Chairperson, Declan
Kearney MLA, and former President, Gerry
Adams, held an online meeting with
imprisoned Catalan representatives, Oriol
Junqueras, President of ‘Esquerra Repub-
licana de Catalunya’ (ERC), and Raul Rom-
eva, the former Foreign Minister of the
Catalan government. Both are currently
serving prison sentences of 13 years and
12 years respectively in Lledoners prison,
Catalonia.
Also in attendance was Marta Rovira,
the ERC General Secretary, who is current-
ly exiled in Switzerland, and Jordi Solé,
ERC’s Secretary for International Affairs.
During the meeting the Catalan rep-
resentatives outlined the current polit-
ical situation in Catalonia following the
brutal measures deployed by the Spanish
Government in response to the indepen-
dence referendum held in October 2017.
Gerry Adams, Declan Kearney and Catalan comrades
In particular, they focused on the refusal
of the Spanish Government to meaning-
fully engage with Catalan representatives incarcerated due to oppressive Span- “We urge the Spanish Government to
to resolve the continuing political crisis, ish government policies, both were in commence good faith negotiations with
and its widespread use of repressive legal extremely high spirits and remain totally the democratically elected political lead-
measures. committed to the national and democrat- ership of Catalonia to resolve all critical
Speaking after the online meeting Sinn ic rights of their people. issues at the heart of the current political
Féin’s South Antrim MLA, Declan Kearney said: “We outlined Sinn Féin’s position – crisis.
“Both Gerry Adams and I were pleased based on our experience in Ireland – that “Sinn Féin remains committed to using
to have the opportunity to participate state repression will only breed political our political influence in Ireland and
in this online prison visit. We received a resistance. Criminalisation policies did across Europe to highlight the political
first-hand account of the current political not work in Ireland, and they will not work crisis in Catalonia and to press for the
situation in Catalonia from the leader- in Catalonia. A political resolution must release and amnesty of all the political
ship of the ERC and expressed Sinn Féin’s be developed through an inclusive nego- prisoners, including the return of all
ongoing solidarity with all of the political tiation process. those in exile.
prisoners, those leadership figures still in “We reiterated our support for the “We will continue to encourage political
exile, and the right of the Catalan people release of all political prisoners and for and diplomatic pressure on the Spanish
to independence. those who are exiled to be allowed to government to embrace an inclusive pro-
“It was heartening to speak with the return home. Sinn Féin fully supports the cess of comprehensive negotiations and
imprisoned leaders, Oriol Junqueras and Amnesty Bill being proposed by Catalan acknowledge the national and democratic
Raul Romeva. Despite being unjustly Independent representatives. rights of the Catalan people.”
“Sinn Féin remains committed to using our political influence in
Ireland and across Europe to highlight the political crisis in
Catalonia and to press for the release and amnesty of all the
political prisoners, including the return of all those in exile.”
@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational
4 INTERNATIONAL
BULLETIN
Sinn Féin leaders extend condolences
on the passing of Saeb Erekat
The late General Secretaru of the Palestinian Liberation Organistion, Saeb Erekat pictured with Pat Sheehan MLA
Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald TD has expressed her Former Sinn Féin President Gerry Adams also extended his
condolences following the recent death of the General Secre- “deepest condolences and solidarity” to Palestinian President
tary of the Palestinian Liberation Organisation, Saeb Erekat. Mahmoud Abbas on the death of Saeb Erekat who has died as
She said: a result of Covid-19.
“The world is a much sadder place following the loss of the Gerry Adams said:
human rights activist and campaigner for Palestinian libera- “Ba mhaith liom mo chombhrón a thabhairt do chlann Er-
tion, Saeb Erekat. ekat. It is with great sadness that I have learned of the death
“As General Secretary of the Palestinian Liberation Organi- of Saeb Erekat. In the course of my visits to the Middle East
sation (PLO), Saeb Erekat, was a tireless fighter for the rights and as part of Sinn Féin’s long relationship with the Palestin-
and freedom of the Palestinian people throughout his life. ian people I had the pleasure of meeting Saeb Erekat.
“Over the course of the last three decades, Saeb had been “As the Secretary General of the Palestine Liberation
central to many negotiations and worked to deliver a lasting Organisation, and as the chief negotiator for the PLO, Saeb
solution to end the occupation and oppression of the Pales- was steadfast in his defence of the rights of the people of
tinian people. Palestine to freedom and independence. He was committed
“Saeb adopted a principled and pragmatic approach to dialogue and peace and to the creation of a genuine peace
these negotiations in the hope of bringing the conflict to a process in the Middle East that would resolve all of the re-
conclusion and ensuring the human rights of the Palestinian lationships and ensure a peaceful, democratic future for the
people are respected. people of that region.
“Throughout the duration of his activism, Saeb was a keen “In 2014 during the Israeli assault on Gaza Saeb made time
advocate of building international relations with other strug- to brief me about the desolation and destruction being inflict-
gles across the globe, particularly acknowledging the value ed on the citizens of that besieged area by the Israeli govern-
of international solidarity in highlighting the plight of the ment. He worked hard to secure a humanitarian ceasefire in
Palestinian people. the face of Israeli rejections.
“Sinn Féin had a longstanding friendship with Saeb Erekat “Saeb was very conscious of the long positive relationship
and our representatives have had the honour of meeting him between the Irish and Palestinian people. He thanked the
on several occasions. people of Ireland for their ongoing support for the Palestinian
“Saeb was a dear friend of Ireland and a friend of the Irish people.
people. “Saeb will be missed by his comrades, his family and the
“The only fitting legacy to this remarkable and resilient Palestinian people. As they and we seek to advance the
campaigner for peace and justice is a permanent homeland peaceful and democratic objectives to which he dedicated his
for the Palestinian people. life there is an onus on the Irish government, at this import-
“On behalf of Sinn Féin, I want to extend my solidarity to ant juncture in international relations, to implement past
the family and comrades of Saeb Erekat. Ar dheis Dé go raibh Oireachtas motions and recognise the state of Palestine.
a anam dílis” “Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational
5 INTERNATIONAL
BULLETIN
Spanish court decision is an
attempt to criminalise Basque
peace makers - Kearney
Sinn Féin National Chairperson, Declan Kearney attack on those who are at the centre of building
MLA, has condemned the decision of the Spanish the Basque peace process, and against the integ-
Supreme Court to reopen the case of five Basque rity of the process itself.
political leaders, including the Secretary General “Arnaldo Otegi was central to the strategy
of EH Bildu, Arnaldo Otegi, stating that it rep- which led to the ending of armed actions, disar-
resents a reckless subversion of ongoing efforts mament, and eventual dissolution of ETA. He has
to finally and democratically resolve conflict in shown immense leadership in taking courageous
the Basque Country by criminalising those com- decisions and risks for a democratic peace in the
mitted to peace. Basque Country.
Speaking after the recent court ruling, the “The policy of attempting to criminalise
South Antrim MLA said: Basque political leaders pursued by successive
“In 2011, Basque activists Arnaldo Otegi, Rafa Spanish governments, has been a failure and
Leyla Guven Diez, Sonia Jacinto, Mitren Zabaleta and Arkaitz should be ended. Such efforts only serve to
Rodriguez, were sentenced to ten years impris- undermine ongoing efforts to build a credible
Anderson calls onment for alleged membership of the militant
group ETA. This was later reduced to six and a
peace process. Conflict can only be resolved
through dialogue, negotiations, and respect for
for release of half years by the Spanish Supreme Court.
“However in 2018, by which time all the
rights.
“Sinn Féin strongly condemns this latest
Kurdish political accused had served their full sentence, the
European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruled
Spanish Supreme Court ruling, and calls on the
international community to raise the serious
that article 6.1 of the European Convention on humanitarian and political concerns surrounding
prisoner Leyla Human Rights on the ‘right to a fair trial’ had this case with the Spanish government.
been violated. “Instead of attempting to criminalise and
Guven “This latest ruling by the Spanish Supreme
Courts constitutes a serious violation of the
imprison Basque peace makers, the Spanish
government should commence a process of re-
previous ECHR ruling in 2018 in this case, and leasing all political prisoners, and finally commit
Sinn Féin MLA Martina Anderson
infringes the human rights of all the accused. in good faith to commence proper negotiations
has called for the release of
“This decision is also a premeditated political with the Basque political leadership.”
Kurdish former MP and political
prisoner Leyla Guven who has
been sentenced to 22 years in
prison.
Martina Anderson said:
“I was shocked to learn of the
22 year sentence handed down
to former Kurdish MP and hunger
striker, Leyla Guven.
“She was sentenced on 18
spurious and politically motivated
charges arising from her involve-
ment in the campaign for autono-
my for the Kurdish people.
“She was previously imprisoned
and went on hunger strike to
call for an end to the isolation of
Kurdish political leader Abdullah
Ocalan.
“I visited her while in her home
while she was on hunger strike
and was impressed by her dignity,
determination and courage.
“This sentence is entirely
political and Leyla Guven should
be released immediately along
with Abdullah Ocalan to assist the
peace process in the region.” Arnaldo Otegi
@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational
6 INTERNATIONAL
BULLETIN
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus
attends anti-blockade protest
Chris MacManus, Sinn Féin MEP for the
Midlands North West, spoke to the Cuban
Ambassador to the EU, Norma Goicochea
Estenoz, about the difficulties the island
is facing, as it battles COVID 19 and an in-
humane economic blockade by the United
States. The two met at an anti-blockade
protest, held in Brussels last December.
The small island has fared remarkably
well during the ongoing pandemic, with
less than 15,000 cases to date and less
than 200 deaths, this is with a population
in the region of 12 million.
This is despite the fact that the United
States implemented 90 economic mea-
sures between January 2019 and March
2020 to cripple the Cuban economy,
estimates puts the cost of the blockade at
over 4 billion annually. Make no mistake, Sinn Féin MEP Chris and the Cuban Ambassador to the EU Norma Goicochea Estenoz
these measures are designed to strangle and Mark Botenga, a Belgium workers party MEP.
Cuba’s economy and create social unrest.
They affect vital sectors such as energy, Recently, the United States government immense pressure, is due to the resilience
tourism, and financial transfers. resorted to threatening airlines and freight of its people.
To do this at any time is reprehensive, ship owners with sanctions, who dared to Met with this oppression, Cuba has
but during a deadly pandemic it is a homi- deliver masks, medication and diagnostic marched on and worked with its allies
cidal strategy by the United States. Import kits to Cuba. on developing its own COVID 19 vaccine.
bans include medical equipment and medi- The United States ignores the United Cuba’s vaccine, which is in stage 3 of
cation. The Cuban government has reported Nation’s condemnation of the blockade, development, will be tested in Iran in the
having to use intermediaries in other coun- as voted by the UN General Assembly in its coming weeks.
tries to access some of the medication; this 2019 resolution. Sinn Féin will continue to send its sol-
buying procedure can multiply costs for the The only reason Cuba has averted a idarity to the Cuban people and demand
struggling Cuban government. severe humanitarian crises, under this this barbaric blockade is lifted.
Mary Lou McDonald TD congratulates Joe Biden on winning the US Presidential election
Joe Biden is now the 46th President of the United States of the Good Friday Agreement and to protect it in the Brexit
America. The America that he leads is highly divided. Those process. The message was clear; there would be no British/
divisions and inequalities have been played out online, US trade deal if our agreements were undermined. A com-
in the media, and on the streets. The new President faces mitment that was repeated by President Joe Biden.
several challenges with a reduced majority in the House of The British, left without any hope of a trade deal with the
Representatives and the narrowest majority in the Senate. US, relented and agreed to the full implementation of the
All the while dealing with the pandemic and the divisive Brexit Withdrawal Agreement, Irish Protocol, and the avoid-
legacy of President Trump. ance of hard border on Ireland.
Ireland remains an issue of shared and common concern Mary Lou McDonald TD Speaking following the inauguration Sinn Féin President
between Democrats and Republicans. Mary Lou McDonald said:
The links between Ireland and the US are strong and “President Biden has long been a friend of Ireland. The
enduring. The Easter Rising would not have been possible without, “our connections between our nations are greater than any political alliance
exiled Children in America”. The US has been key in every step of our - they are bonds of history, family, and friendship. The United States has
struggle for unity and independence. Our peace process and agree- stood with Ireland, including protecting our peace agreements in the
ments are seen as a US Foreign Policy success. Brexit process and President Biden has been a key friend in achieving
The last US Congress was marked by endless battles on domestic this.
policy, foreign policy, and the actions of President Trump. Annual budget Wishing President Biden and Vice President Harris well the Sinn Féin
objections that closed down the government. President added.
When Brexit threatened to undermine the Good Friday Agreement and “I look forward to working with the Biden administration as we contin-
impose a hard border the parties acted. Democrats and Republicans ue to realize the transformative potential of the Good Friday Agreement
unanimously passed a resolution on the need to fully implement and in building a new, prosperous, and united Ireland.”
@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational
7 INTERNATIONAL
BULLETIN
Gerry Adams blog on ‘Solidarity with Catalonia’
Like many other republicans I of suppression.
have spent several Christmas’s in In the meantime find below the
prison. It’s not a nice place to be names and addresses of impris-
at any time but especially over oned Catalan leaders and politi-
Christmas. I was reminded of this cal prisoners. Take a few minutes
a few days before Christmas when and send them a solidarity card –
I had the opportunity to hold a a letter – a book. Show them they
video conference with two of the are not alone and not forgotten.
imprisoned leaders of ‘Esquerra Pat Sheehan MLA
Republicana de Catalunya’ (ERC) - GERRY ADAMS Dolors Bassa Coll
the main pro-independence party Centre penitenciari Puig de les
in Catalan. them and clearly determined to Basses Sheehan
Oriol Junqueras is President of continue their struggle for free- Mòdul de dones
the ERC and Raul Romeva is the dom and independence. Raval disseminat, 53 expresses
former Foreign Minister of the Our conversation lasted an 17600 Figueres
Catalan government. Both are cur- hour. Declan and I expressed (Girona) condolences
rently serving prison sentences of Sinn Féin’s ongoing solidarity Jordi Cuixart i Navarro
13 years and 12 years respectively with all of the political prisoners, Centre Penitenciari de Lledoners following death
in Lledoners prison, Catalonia. those leadership figures still in Mòdul 2
Declan Kearney MLA joined me exile, and the right of the Catalan Carretera C-55, km 37 of Palestinian
in the conversation and also in people to independence. We 08250 St Joan de Vilatorrada
attendance was Marta Rovira, the also expressed our support for (Barcelona) prisoner
ERC’s General Secretary, who is the Amnesty Bill currently being Carme Forcadell Lluís
currently exiled in Switzerland, proposed by Catalan Independent Carme Forcadell i Lluís Sinn Féin MLA Pat Sheehan
and Jordi Solé, the ERC’s Secretary representatives. Centre Penitenciari Wad Ras has expressed condolenc-
for International Affairs. The connections between the Doctor Trueta, 76 es following the death of
The imprisonment of the two people of Ireland and of Catalonia 08005 Barcelona Palestinian prisoner, Kamal
comrades arose from the peaceful go back a long way. In 1920 Máire Joaquim Forn i Chiarello Abu Waer.
and democratic independence Ní Bhrian, a member of Cumann Centre Penitenciari de Lledoners The West Belfast MLA
referendum that was held by the na mBan, travelled to Catalonia as Mòdul 2 said:
government of Catalan in October part of the republican outreach Carretera C-55, km 37 “I want to express my pro-
2017. The Spanish state reacted seeking support for the Irish 08250 St Joan de Vilatorrada found sadness at the death
violently. Our television screens cause in Europe. Writing after the (Barcelona) of Palestinian prisoner Ka-
were filled with images of Spanish death on hunger strike of Terence Oriol Junqueras i Vies mal Abu Waer and extend my
Civil Guards firing plastic bullets MacSwiney the Lord Mayor of Centre Penitenciari de Lledoners condolences to his family,
at Catalan citizens trying to vote, Cork, Ní Bhrian recalled; Mòdul 2 friends and the Palestinian
and violent scenes of heavily ar- ‘In Barcelona and in Catalonia Carretera C-55, km 37 people.
moured police batoning defence- generally there was the deepest 08250 St Joan de Vilatorrada “Kamal, who has been
less and peaceful citizens – some sympathy for Ireland and when (Barcelona) imprisoned since 2003, died
of them lying on the ground, many Terence died the papers there Raül Romeva Rueda as a result of cancer which
of them women, some elderly. were full of articles about him Centre Penitenciari de Lledoners was compounded by the
The 2017 referendum was the and masses were offered for him Mòdul 2 harshness the Israeli prison
culmination of almost two de- in many churches which were Carretera C-55, km 37 regime.
cades of Catalan efforts to achieve crowded to the doo… The Catalans 08250 St Joan de Vilatorrada “The mistreatment of
greater autonomy within Spain. always cherish the desire for (Barcelona) prisoners by the Israe-
Catalan leaders tried to engage separation from Spain and their Josep Rull i Andreu li government must be
successive Spanish governments aspiration for independence is Centre Penitenciari de Lledoners condemned. The brazen vio-
in a dialogue but their efforts the bond between them and us.’ Mòdul 2 lations of the human rights
were rebuffed. They were frustrat- A doll dressed in tradition- Carretera C-55, km 37 of Palestinian prisoners is a
ed at every turn by an intransi- al Catalan clothing was sent 08250 St Joan de Vilatorrada breach of international law.
gent central government and the from the people of Catalonia (Barcelona) “The Irish government has
courts. to MacSwiney’s young daughter Jordi Sànchez i Picanyol a responsibility to challenge
Rather than engage in a pro- Máire. Last year the doll was re- Centre Penitenciari de Lledoners the Israeli government on its
cess of dialogue to resolve this furbished as part of an exhibition Mòdul 2 cruel policy and the wider
constitutional crisis the Spanish on MacSwiney by Cork public Carretera C-55, km 37 denial of rights to the Pales-
government choose to arrest and museum. 08250 St Joan de Vilatorrada tinian people.
imprison senior Catalan politi- The Spanish government needs (Barcelona) “I would urge the Israeli
cians. Oriol Junqueras and Raul to return to the negotiating table. Jordi Turull Negre government to abandon its
Romeva are among those who The international community, Centre Penitenciari de Lledoners apartheid policies and enter
received lengthy prison sentences. especially the European Union, Mòdul 2 into a meaningful process of
Despite their unjust treatment has an obligation to ensure that Carretera C-55, km 37 peace talks which includes
and imprisonment both men were Catalonia can pursue the course 08250 St Joan de Vilatorrada the release of Palestinian
in good spirits when we spoke to of self-determination without fear (Barcelona) prisoners.”
@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational
8 INTERNATIONAL
BULLETIN
Brady attacks Coveney on
Irish Government inertia on
Israeli Annexation of Palestine
Sinn Féin spokesperson on Unfortunately, Minister brief but much needed sense
Foreign Affairs and Defence, Coveney and the Irish govern- of optimism to the Palestin-
Deputy John Brady clashed ment refuse to do so. ian people, simply by acting
with Minister Simon Coveney I know that my focus on upon the stated wished of
at the Joint Committee on Palestine this angers the the members of the Dáil, but
Foreign Affairs and Defence Minister. But the reality is which the government refus-
over the lack of action on be- that the government, largely es to act upon.
half of the Irish government at the behest of the Minister In the absence of action,
over ongoing de facto Israeli have shelved the Occupied words and sentiment offer
annexation of the West Bank. Territories Bill, and have nothing, they merely exist
The committee meeting further chosen to ignore in a vacuum, until they are
was dominated by the ex- the express wishes of the allowed to dissipate into the
change between the two, and Oireachtas to recognise the ether, and we are left with
clearly evidenced Minister state of Palestine. nothing but the inertia we
Coveney’s exception with John Brady TD These are real and tangible witness from this government.
being taken to task over the actions, which offered an op- We must continue to put
inertia of the Irish govern- we speak. This is something portunity for Ireland to show pressure on the government,
ment over Palestine. that I have commented on, the type of leadership over we must increase pressure
Brady said: again and again, and have Palestine, which many in this when and where we can, we
“Annexation is a war crime. appealed repeatedly for the country did over apartheid in must find new and innova-
This is a fact that has been Irish government to take the South Africa. tive ways to bring the very
established in law by the type of tangible action that International opinion im- real sense of outrage felt by
United Nations. is necessary to support the pacts on Israeli intent. We as the people of Ireland to the
The de facto annexation of people of Palestine to resist a country could have brought doorstep of this government
the West Bank by the Israeli the illegal actions of the focus to bear on their actions. – then we can begin to effect
government is ongoing as Israeli authorities. We could have offered a change”.
STEP UP PREPARATIONS FOR
UNITY POLL - FINUCANE
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane has called on the “The Irish Government cannot be by-
Irish Government to step up preparations for standers in this conversation, they must
constitutional change following the publica- step up to the mark and lead in the conver-
tion of a new poll showing a majority in the sation.
North want a referendum within five years. “The time to plan is now and the Irish
The North Belfast MP said: Government must immediately begin
The most recent Lucid Talk poll shows that preparations for reunification by taking
a clear majority in the North are in favour the practical steps of convening a citizens’
of a referendum on Irish unity being held convention inclusive of the entire island
within the next five years. and by bringing forward a green paper on
“There is an unstoppable, vibrant and Irish unity.
flourishing conversation underway on the “A referendum is coming and support for
constitutional future of our island. unity is growing - that is clear.
“It is an inclusive conversation which in- “Together, we can overcome the barriers
volves nationalists, unionists and those who and division of partition and build a new,
John Finucane MP
consider themselves to be neither. inclusive and united Ireland.”
@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational
9 INTERNATIONAL
BULLETIN
Ireland & the World:
The difference a Biden Presidency DECLAN KEARNEY
could make – Declan Kearney Sinn Féin National
Chairperson
“It is essential that the Irish peace process and resilience of the island economy continues
to benefit from the good will and support of this new Presidency” - Declan Kearney
Few US Presidential elections have pro- Make no mistake, Joe Biden and Kamala
voked so much popular interest in recent Harris struck a chord with a great mass
years as the contest between Joe Biden and of American society, which had become
Donald Trump. deeply alienated and disenchanted with
Voter turnout was massive and unprece- the direction of the United States (US) in
dented. the last four years.
While it was closely fought and a tight How could it be otherwise? The
race right up until the end, Joe Biden re- bombastic rhetoric, lack of vision, and
ceived the highest number of votes cast for incoherent public policy has been deeply
any previous American President. polarising.
The spontaneous mass turnouts of ordi- The experience of Covid-19 has been
nary citizens once the declaration was made catastrophic, and the federal handling of
in Washington DC, New York, Philadelphia the pandemic a calamity.
and other places, speak for themselves. Joe Biden’s ticket brought a message
Although there were no overwhelming of hope into this Presidential election
‘Blue’ or ‘Red’ waves, this election mobilised campaign; promoting the aspiration of a di- There will be much hope that the new
the Democratic support base, perhaps in no verse, inclusive America; and which offered President will bring the USA back to the
way like ever before. a new direction, domestically and abroad. Paris Climate Change Accords, and the US/
Last Friday night I listened to young An important mandate has been well won Iran Nuclear Agreement.
American relatives discuss the latest twists for a more tolerant, inclusive, and caring It is very important, in the context of
and turns of the race and was struck by USA. That is to be welcomed. the ongoing global health pandemic, that
their repeated use of the word ‘we’ and ‘us’ Hopefully now politics will stabilise and America reengages with the World Health
when describing the Biden/Harris cam- the approach to public policy, particularly Organisation, and restores its commitment
paign. with respect to Covid-19, and public health to other multi-lateral institutions.
They felt they had a real stake in this generally, as well as health insurance, will Joe Biden is a former chair of the US
election: A role in ending something nega- be put onto a new constructive footing: Foreign Relations Committee, so he knows
tive and helping to start something positive Whilst at the same time ensuring Black about, and understands these principles.
and new. Lives Matter, and equal opportunities and For the last 18 months, a Biden team of
support are extended to all Americans. some 2,000 personnel have been working
The USA is probably the most significant on a new foreign policy prospectus for this
geopolitical influence on the world stage. new presidential term.
In the past, that has been used to both In the modern era divergent global inter-
good and bad effect. ests and priorities need to realign on the
During the last Presidential term really basis of peaceful and respectful coexis-
important, progressive domestic public tence.
policy advances secured under Barack Shaping this new paradigm should now
Obama’s leadership, were reversed. become a focus for the US.
In foreign policy terms, progressive There is a need for a new approach to be
roles that the US played as an advocate taken by American foreign policy towards
for multi-lateralism, global peace and Palestine.
diplomacy, in supporting action on climate Formal recommitment to the ‘Two State
change, and addressing international Solution’, on the basis of the 1967 borders;
humanitarian and justice issues, were also acting in support of Palestinian national
abandoned. and human rights; and, intervening to end
The international community will now the siege of Gaza, would represent a very
look towards the new Biden administra- significant regional diplomatic initiative
tion to act positively and collaboratively within the Middle East.
on critical global issues. In a positive interview with the Arab
@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational
10 INTERNATIONAL
BULLETIN
Whatever the outcome of Britain’s
future relations negotiation with the
EU; there remains a critical role for the
US administration in Ireland.
Ten years of continuous and negative
mismanagement, by successive British
Tory governments, alongside their fail-
ure to implement the Good Friday and
subsequent agreements, have caused
huge instability and uncertainty, not
least because of Brexit.
It is essential that the Irish peace
process and resilience of the island
economy continues to benefit from
American News several days ago, Kamala The continued outworking of the Monroe the good will and support of this new
Harris was reported as saying: Doctrine and Helms/Burton Act continue to Presidency.
“We are committed to a two-state solution, cast a long, destabilising shadow over US A widespread debate on Irish unity has
and we will oppose any unilateral steps that relations with the Americas. commenced.
undermine that goal. We will also oppose Hopefully Obama’s previous approach on Constitutional change is in the air.
annexation and settlement expansion.” Cuba will provide a reference point to guide Change in relations between Ireland
She also pledged a new Administra- future US policy towards all of Latin and and Britain is now inevitable.
tion: “Will take immediate steps to restore South America, and the Caribbean. International mentors and expertise
economic and humanitarian assistance to It’s time for a new doctrine of positive, co- should be central to the next phase of
the Palestinian people, address the ongoing operative diplomatic relations in the region, Ireland’s democratic transformation,
humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reopen the US which replaces the weight of history with new towards a new, agreed Ireland.
consulate in East Jerusalem, and work to hope and aspiration.
open the PLO mission in Washington.” One of the most significant and enduring
Such steps would represent an import- results of US foreign policy in the last three
ant entrenchment of US commitment to decades has been America’s contribution to
international law and United Nations (UN) the Irish peace process.
resolutions. Our peace process stands out as the most
American global reputation would be successful transition away from political
further restored by taking moves to reinstate conflict to peaceful, democratic politics in
the policy introduced by Barack Obama in the northern hemisphere.
2014 to normalise US/Cuban relations. Today the US remains a key stakehold-
At the time President Obama said of this er in the peace settlement and political
ground-breaking initiative, supported by a architecture enshrined in the Good Friday
key foreign policy advisor, Ben Rhodes, and Agreement (GFA).
Secretary of State, John Kerry, that: American administrations since then have
“Neither the American or Cuban people are recognised the importance of not taking Regrettably the last four years have
well served by a rigid policy that is rooted our peace and political process for granted, been a negative chapter in our geo-pol-
in events that took place before most of us unlike others. itics.
were born.” The welcome statements by Congressmen There is a need for a reset and to
He went on: Richie Neal and Brendan Boyle, and Speaker realign global relations based upon gen-
“Change is hard - in our lives and in the Nancy Pelosi which cautioned against dam- uine and progressive multi-lateralism.
lives of nations. And change is even harder age for the GFA arising from Britain’s reckless As citizens of our global village we will
when we carry the weight of history on our departure from the European Union (EU), not, and do not even need to, agree on
shoulders. But today we are making these and then reinforced by President elect Biden every issue or policy.
changes because it is the right thing to himself, are reassuring. But there is an imperative to renew
do. Today, America chose to cut loose the Our peace process has benefited greatly our collective commitment to the abso-
shackles of the past so as to reach for a from the support of many other longstanding lute centrality of peaceful co-existence.
better future - for the Cuban people, for the friends of Ireland on Capitol Hill, including Full democratic engagement with, and
American people, for an entire hemisphere, retiring Congressman Elliot Engel. respect for multi-lateral institutions,
and for the world.” such as the UN, will be key to achieving
The decision taken by Obama’s adminis- that objective.
tration was correct, and carefully developed The USA has a leadership role in
over time with noteworthy diplomatic sup- helping to reassert the primacy of
port from Pope Francis, and the Vatican. multi-lateralism and adherence to
It was an act of diplomatic vandalism international law, and human and dem-
that the new US/Cuban relationship was ocratic rights.
arbitrarily overturned, with no other out- President Biden’s administration will
come than to fuel political tensions in Latin do us all a great service by embracing
America. these challenges and giving leadership
Biden and Harris have an opportunity on making our shared world a more
to provide new foreign policy leadership peaceful, sustainable and equal place
towards Latin and South America, and the for all its citizens.
Caribbean.
@SFIntDept www.sinnfein.ie @sinnfeininternational11 INTERNATIONAL
BULLETIN
Sinn Féin MPs speak to Bahraini pro-democracy campaigners
Sinn Féin MPs met virtually “In supporting the Bahraini
with Bahraini pro-democra- regime, the British Govern-
cy campaigners to discuss ment are a barrier to lasting
human rights abuses in the peace and democracy in the
country. region.
The briefing was facilitated “Sinn Féin calls for the
by the Dublin based Europe- immediate release of Hassan
an Centre for Democracy and Mushaima, alongside dual
Human Rights (ECDHR). Swedish citizen Sheikh Ab-
Speaking after meeting duljalil Al-Muqdad and dual
with Dr Saeed Al-Sheha- Danish citizen Abdulhadi
bi and Ali Mushaima, son Al-Khawaja; and all political
of the political prisoner of civil rights in Bahrain. restrictions on phone calls to prisoners in Bahrain.
conscience Hasan Mushaima, “It is particularly troubling loved ones. “We will be raising these is-
Francie Molloy MP said: to hear about the treatment “The British Government sues directly with the Minister
“It is very disheartening to of political prisoners, with continues to turn a blind eye for Foreign Affairs in Dublin
hear about the continued de- reports of arbitrary denial to the human rights abuses in and British Government Min-
nial of basic democratic and of medical assistance and Bahrain. isters.”
MacManus challenges EU project on inclusion of Israeli police as partner
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has written to the coordinator of
an EU project which has collaborated with the Israeli police force
involved in developing new speech and facial recognitions technol-
ogies.
MacManus believes the Israeli police may use these tools to
increase surveillance on Palestine’s civilian population. MacManus
commented:
“It was brought to my attention that one of the project partners
of the EU ROXANNE project is the Israeli Ministry of Public Security.
This will be of concern to many European citizens, as the Ministry is
responsible for the Israeli police, an organisation linked to crimes
such as torture, extrajudicial killings and the torture of children.
“My understanding is that the nature of the EU project concerns
combining new speech technologies, face recognition and network
analysis to facilitate the identification of criminals. Specifically,
ROXANNE will develop a platform that will increase agencies’ capa-
bilities via voice recognition, language and video technologies.”
“My concern is the Israeli Ministry of Public Security will utilise its
participation in the project to further develop its own capabilities
in this area. An increase in the Israeli police’s capacity is likely to
result in further surveillance of the civilian Palestinian population, in concerns have now been brought to the attention of the European
a search for opponents to Israel’s occupation. Eventually leading to Commission. The coordinator believes the Commission is responsible
increased detentions and a high likelihood of torture.” for authorising any proposed partner, therefore they also hold the
The Midlands Northwest MEP said accountability was necessary. responsibility for any ethical breaches.”
“This project received 7 million euros of EU funds; I believe it should “I do not buy this argument; both the project coordinators and
therefore be accountable to EU taxpayers. In order to save the credi- Commission have allowed this to happen.”
bility of the project, I requested the Israeli Ministry of Public Security MacManus concluded: “I will await the Commission’s response be-
be removed as a partner. Respect for moral values must underpin all fore deciding what further action to take. In the meantime, as I have
financial support from EU citizens.” already requested, the Garda Síochána should withdraw from the
“The project coordinator did respond to my letter, saying my project in protest at the Israeli polices’ continued inclusion.”.
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