Madam, - Raymond Deane (November 21st) seems to think the European Union could promote respect for democracy and human rights by boycotting any government that has shortcomings in these areas.
For better or worse, the history of human rights-based sanctions and boycotts has been one of strong feelings on the part of the sanctioners, little impact on the target regimes, and even greater suffering for the great majority of the population.
The EU's democracy and human rights policies have been infinitely more progressive than those of other major powers, though doubtless far from perfect.
EU assistance to the Palestinians has taken many forms and been much resented by Israel. Human rights monitoring in Colombia has been largely funded by the EU. Human rights groups in Georgia, which are critical of the government, have received over €1 million in EU funding.
There are no easy solutions to many complex situations of political conflict internationally. However, the role of the European Union in attempting to promote democracy and human rights is undoubtedly an important one.
The Lisbon Treaty aimed to strengthen the EU's capacity to act internationally. It sought to establish a more permanent EU presidency, a more cohesive common foreign and security policy and an EU external action service. - Yours, etc,
Senator DEIRDRE DE BURCA,
Green Party Spokesperson on European Affairs,
Bray,
Co Wicklow.