Ahern urges democracy and human rights

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern will today emphasise the importance of democracy and human rights to heads of state at the fourth EU-Latin America/Caribbean Summit in Vienna.

The previous EU-LAC Summit in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2004 was a key event during Ireland’s EU presidency and was co-chaired by the Taoiseach and President Vicente Fox Quesada of Mexico.

Today’s gathering will be attended by leaders of 58 countries from both regions, including UN Secretary General Kofi Annan.

Agenda items include democracy and human rights, trade and development co-operation, promoting education and research and energy and environmental protection.

Mr Ahern has been invited to make an opening statement to the working group session on democracy and human rights.

He said before departing for Vienna: “We share with the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean a commitment to multi-lateralism. The Vienna Summit will be a valuable opportunity to assess how best to enhance co-operation between the two regions on key international challenges.

“Central to the strategic relationship between the EU and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean is our promotion and protection of democracy and human rights. The achievement of both is a constant challenge.”

Leaders are to adopt a declaration at the end of the summit tomorrow.