Eire : Gaza incident - Government were active saysDFA
The Irish government were active on behalf of an Irish citizen detained on the Egypt Gaza border the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has told the Celtic League (see below):
"Dear Mr. Moffatt,
On behalf of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., I would like to thank you for your letter of 10th of February on behalf of Ms Ní Cheannabháin and her daughter.
I would like to point out that our travel advice (available at www.dfa.ie) makes it very clear that Irish citizens should avoid all travel to the Gaza Strip. This advice is monitored and updated regularly. As you will appreciate, individuals who decide to enter Gaza, against our strong advice, must accept personal responsibility for the consequences of their actions.
Notwithstanding this, the Department and our Embassy in Cairo were in contact with Ms Ní Cheannabháin and her family throughout the period in question. Our Embassy made a series of representations at the highest level to the Egyptian authorities to ensure her speedy return to Egypt.
Our Ambassador in Tel Aviv also made representations on their behalf. As you will be aware, Ms Ní Cheannabháin was subsequently allowed to re-enter Egypt from the Gaza Strip on 11 February.
Yours sincerely
Sinéad Ryan Private Secretary"
Related article on Celtic News at:
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
14/03/08
■