The Government’s commitment to EU enlargement was today reiterated by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Brian Cowen, who said he could see no "insurmountable obstacle" to the admission of candidates.
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Mr Brian Cowen
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Speaking at a lunch in honour of the Diplomatic Corps in Dublin Castle, Mr Cowen said: "Whatever the outcome of our national considerations in the concerning the Nice referendum result and whatever our reflections in the Future of Europe debate there is one unequivocal commitment I would like to reiterate here today: Ireland fully supports the enlargement of the Union and sees no insurmountable obstacle to the admission of those candidates at present in negotiations."
He said EU enlargement was necessary to embrace countries who have struggled over recent decades "to keep the embers of freedom alight."
Mr Cowen paid tribute to the contribution the EU has played in the economic development of Ireland which, he said: "is no less vital as our economy develops."
Mr Cowen also acknowledged the international community's support and contribution to the peace process and the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement.
But he said peace could only be achieved through the co-operation of all the parties involved in the peace process.
He said the Government welcomed the EU’s concentration on conflict prevention policies - illustrated at the European Council in Gothenberg last month.
"As a non-permanent member of the Security Council, Ireland is well placed to contribute not only to the conflict prevention strategies of the EU, but at the global level, to the follow-up to the outcome of the Millennium Summit in New York last year Autumn."
He also said Ireland will continue to play a role in the international response to HIV/AIDS.