MacManus welcomes European Parliament stance on illegal settlements trading
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has hailed the decision by the European Parliament’s Petitions Committee (PETI) to support restricting EU trade with illegal settlements. Speaking at the committee meeting in favour of the petition supporting these restrictions, MacManus said that it reflects the increased awareness amongst MEPs from different political parties towards the plight of the Palestinian people.
MacManus said:
“It is a small step but a significant moral boost for occupied peoples everywhere, in particular for the Palestinians suffering from occupation and apartheid at the hands of the Israeli state.
“It is unacceptable that the European Commission had tried to unsuccessfully prevent the registration of a European Citizens Initiative to stop trade with illegal settlements.
“Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are illegal under international law. They have resulted in a host of human rights violations against the Palestinians amounting to ethnic cleansing, such as the unlawful demolitions of homes, destruction of farmland, forced displacement, unlawful killings and more.
“Despite the European Commission’s claims at the PETI Committee that it supports international law, it still facilitates trade with these illegal settlements. They then had the audacity to justify this by saying that they do not provide preferential trade arrangements and goods must labelled. This is a very low bar.
“I am particularly pleased that Ireland was one of four countries that exceeded their quota of signatures for the original initiative and I commend the efforts of the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign (IPSC), political activists and reps from my own party Sinn Féin and others, alongside the trade union movement and wider civic society. .
“I warmly welcome the decision by the PETI committee to support the petition, and await a response to the European Commission to this decision. ENDS
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Note to Editor:
More than 270,000 EU citizens supported the ECI.
The petitioner has asked:
1. Support our request for a written reply from the European Commission.
2. Support our request to send our "ECI turned into a petition" to the INTA Committee for its Opinion, and for the INTA Committee to consider the drafting of an INI Report.
3. Support keeping the "ECI turned into a Petition" open while waiting for the European Commission's written reply.
PETITIONER: Tom Moerenhout, one of the organisers of the ECI, presented the petition to the PETI meeting on April 26 via video link. Dr. Moerenhout is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs.
The full petition text is as follows:
“We seek to regulate commercial transactions with Occupant’s entities based or operating in occupied territories by withholding products originating from there from entering the EU market. The Commission, as Guardian of the Treaties, has to ensure consistency of Union’s policy and compliance with fundamental rights and international law in all areas of EU law, including CCP. It must propose legal acts based on the Common Commercial Policy to prevent EU legal entities from both importing products originating in illegal settlements in occupied territories and exporting to such territories, in order to preserve the integrity of the internal market and to not aid or assist the maintenance of such unlawful situations. The initiative thus invites the Commission to submit a proposal for a legal act under the Common Commercial Policy which is general in nature and does not target a specific country or territory.”
“Politically motivated HDP trial puts Turkish democracy in jeopardy” – MacManus & Brady
Sinn Féin’s Midlands Northwest MEP Chris MacManus and party spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Defence, John Brady TD, have expressed concerns about Turkish democratic values amidst the controversial trial of the HDP.
MEP MacManus said: "I stand with the HDP and I will be meeting them this week at the European Parliament in Strasbourg to discuss the erosion of democracy in Türkiye. The ongoing politically motivated trials of the HDP by Erdoğan must be halted immediately. This already appears to be a violation of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and would seem to be an affront to the aspirations of a truly democratic Türkiye where all political parties would have freedom of expression.”
"This trial to ban the HDP is now entering its final phase. On 14 March, just a few weeks before the elections, the Constitutional Court will decide to suspend and dissolve the HDP. The possibility of HDP, the country’s third largest party in parliament — representing more than 10% of the popular vote in the past two general elections — could be permanently banned so close to the upcoming elections places Turkish democracy in jeopardy.”
"If the Erdoğan government dissolves the Peoples’ Democratic Party (HDP), it will be destroying the very foundations of democracy in Türkiye.”
"Erdoğan’s government should halt these efforts immediately and end this politically motivated trial against the HDP."
Sinn Féin spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Defence, John Brady TD said:
“Sinn Féin is a party committed to the principles of justice, equality, and inclusivity. There is no doubt however, that there is a concerted campaign in Turkiye to deny the HDP access to the democratic process.”
“We witnessed this recently during visits to Leinster House by members of the Turkish parliament, which saw members of the HDP deliberately excluded from the delegation. A matter which I vociferously protested with the visiting delegates.”
“The road forward for Turkiye is one based on principles of democracy. A Democracy designed to include all of its citizens.”
“A decision to dissolve the HDP, is a decision to limit the democratic franchise. It is a decision to deny the citizens of Turkiye the right to vote for a particular political party. It will have the effect of undermining the legitimacy of any representative who is returned in a contest where the right to offer legitimate opposition is denied to citizens.”
Deputy Brady concluded, “I want to add my voice to those who have appealed to the Turkish government to end the politically motivated attempts to outlaw the HDP.” ENDS
“EU & Irish authorities must stand firm against Norwegian Fishery demands” – Chris MacManus MEP
Sinn Féin MEP for Midlands Northwest, Chris MacManus, today met with Irish fishing representatives and organisations in Brussels. MacManus has urged the Minister for the Marine, Charlie McConalogue and his department officials to not accept any deal that gives the Norwegian government unfettered access to Irish fishing grounds.
The Midlands Northwest MEP said:
“The insistence by the Norwegian government and fishing industry to gain unfettered access to Ireland’s territorial waters is intolerable. It is completely unacceptable and Irish authorities and the EU need to hold firm.”
“Not only does Norway have a track record of overfishing mackerel, but it also has an inflated 25% of the total catch for blue whiting, while Ireland only has 3%.”
MacManus said the culture of repeatedly relinquishing our fishing rights must end. “The historic legacy of Irish authorities and senior department officials giving away Irish fishing stocks for nothing is reprehensible and worthy of further scrutiny. The welfare of Irish coastal communities always seems to be bottom of the government’s priorities list. Even lower than the Commission’s it would too often appear.”
“Minister McConalogue and the European Commission must not cave in to the Norwegians’ demands. Ireland is a Member State, Norway is not, and so the onus is on Brussels and the Member States to stand with and act in solidarity with Ireland in these negotiations.”
“The North-western Waters Advisory Council and Europech must also commit their support to Ireland’s fishing and coastal communities in this regard.”
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Sinn Féin TD for Donegal and party spokesperson for fisheries added: ”Minister McConalogue must stand firm in the current negotiations between the EU and Norway and ensure that the sheer injustice of how Irish fishing communities ended up shouldering 40% of the entire loss of income from fish in the European Union due to Brexit is not repeated again.”
Deputy Mac Lochlainn concluded, “Myself, MEP MacManus and indeed the wider Sinn Féin team will be reminding Minister McConalogue and the European Commission’s Virginijus Sinkevičius that their full support is necessary in defending our native industry.” ENDS
From Left to Right: Aodh O Donnell (CEO of the Irish Fish Producers Organisation), Chris MacManus MEP (Sinn Féin), Patrick Murphy (CEO· Irish South & West Fish Producers Organisation) and Brendan Byrne (CEO, Irish Fish Processors & Exporters Association)
Government must not put financial interests above human rights, says Chris MacManus MEP
“EU Member States are close to establishing their joint position on a new EU law on business and human rights, yet the Irish government has been pushing for laxer rules for investment funds,” said Chris MacManus, MEP for the Midlands Northwest. “To properly tackle human rights and environmental abuses in supply chains, we also need to look at where the money is coming from. Removing responsibility from large investment firms will drastically reduce the effectiveness of this new law.”
The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive is a proposal for new EU legislation that would require large companies (and those that finance them) to ensure that there are no human rights and environmental abuses along their supply chains. The European Commission’s original proposal placed due diligence responsibilities on all large financial companies, requiring them to identify any risks to human rights and the environment before issuing credit, loans or other financial services. However, the Council is expected to reach an agreement on its common position this Thursday 1 December. In this common position, asset managers and investment funds will be excluded, with banks and insurers remaining covered by the directive.
“It is worrying to see that the Irish and Luxembourgish governments have been to the fore of efforts to remove investments funds from the scope of this directive. Both countries are home to a large number of investment funds, and it is disappointing while not surprising to see the Irish government putting financial interests above human rights, environmental needs and the interests of consumers,” said MacManus.
Negotiators for the government cited administrative burdens for occupational pension schemes as justification for the exclusion of all investment funds and asset managers from the new human rights legislation. MacManus noted, “people do not want their pensions funding human rights abuses and environmental degradation around the world - the strength of the divestment movement in Ireland has shown this. Constructive solutions could be found if needed to help pension funds comply with the Due Diligence Directive. The answer is not sweeping measures to exclude all investment funds - many of whom are responsible for funding companies with poor track records on human rights and environmental protection.”
MacManus concluded, “The government’s stance does not represent the views of the Irish people, who have shown strong support for better corporate and financial responsibility for human rights and environmental protection. They want to know that the products they buy are not exploiting others around the world. Irish representatives should be pushing for a stronger due diligence law, not taking steps to water it down.” ENDS
“Britain fast becoming a rogue state”, MacManus tells European Parliament
Whilst addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg today, Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus said, “Britain is fast becoming a rogue state - acting unilaterally in the interest of its own elite - with no regard for the well-being of its people or for the international rules based order.”
In his speech MacManus accused the British government of not only attacking the Protocol, but “attacking the Good Friday Agreement.”
The Midlands Northwest MEP said, “The Protocol protects the North from the worst damage caused by Brexit. What the British government can’t swallow is that the economy in the North is doing better than anywhere in Britain, but the Protocol Bill is designed to drag the North down - the Dual Regulatory system would create an impossible bureaucracy for business.”
MacManus warned that “as he clings to his job, Boris Johnson will do anything. He systematically breaks international law. He undermines the Good Friday Agreement. He absolves the British military for crimes committed, denying grieving families the justice they deserve. He repeals the European Convention on Human Rights - the beating heart of the Good Friday Agreement.
MacManus concluded his parliamentary address by stating the British Government have “no regard for the well-being of its people or for the international rules based order. Unless Britain returns to legality, it deserves to fail, which is why Scottish people want to take control of their own future and why a referendum on Irish Unity - as provided for in the GFA - is increasingly on the agenda.” ENDS
Chris MacManus MEP addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg 06/07/22
MacManus welcomes restoration of EU funds to Palestine
Sinn Fein MEP Chris MacManus has welcomed the restoration of EU’s aid to Palestine.
Speaking from Brussels, MacManus commented:
“The EU has until recently been the largest financial donor to Palestine, with fund allocations in the region of €600 million every year. Yesterday evening Ursula von der Leyen announced that, after two years, the EU has finally unblocked access to these funds and that distribution can take place rapidly.”
“This release of the money is a positive step and must represent an end to what has been a shameless entertainment, by the European Commission, of baseless accusations spouted by the Israeli Government.”
The Sinn Féin described his difficulties in attaining clear information on the matter. “I have been in an ongoing dispute with the European Commission over these back room decisions to cut humanitarian funding to Palestine. My latest requests for clarity were met with a brick wall, in the form of a letter informing me that all the evidence linked to the suspension of funds was classified. Members of the European Parliament are elected by citizens to represent them, in particular when it comes to how the EU budget is being spent. Therefore it is unacceptable for the Commission to decide that MEPs shouldn’t have a say in whether funding should be stopped to any recipient.”
“President von der Leyen was very clear in explaining where the money to Palestine ends up; we are talking about the provision of things like clean water, food security and a reliable energy supply.”
MacManus concluded, “Sinn Féin will always support the Palestinian people being assisted and we demand that the EU respects their duty to stand against the Israeli Governments attack on school children’s education, on the vulnerable, and civil society.” ENDS
MacManus and Sinn Féin Leadership meet with Commissioner Šefčovič and EU Group leaders
Sinn Féin MEP hosts Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O’Neil for “positive” EU visit in Brussels
Midlands Northwest MEP Chris MacManus has described a Sinn Féin meeting with Vice President of the European Commission Maroš Šefčovič as a “positive engagement”. MacManus was joined in Brussels by First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill and Sinn Féin President Mary Lou McDonald for a day of discussions with senior politicians from across Europe.
MacManus explained, “The purpose of this week’s visit was to brief EU leaders and MEPs from across the political spectrum on the latest developments following Sinn Féin’s historic election victory in the North. The implementation of the protocol and the protection of the Good Friday Agreement in all of its parts were to the forefront of the discussions.”
“As part of the day’s business we visited the European Commission for a meeting with Vice President Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič. Commissioner Šefčovič was briefed on the Assembly elections and how a majority of MLAs returned want the protocol to work and are opposed to unilateral action by Boris Johnson. During the discussion we spoke of the importance of the resumption of talks between EU and the British Government on the basis of good faith and joint solutions.”
Throughout the day the Sinn Féin team held similar briefings with leadership figures and members of various political groupings including Renew Europe, Socialists & Democrats and The Greens/EFA. Of those engagements MacManus said, “We enjoyed constructive conversations with all. It was refreshing to hear that across political parties, party groupings and various member states there was a strong sense of comradery and eagerness to understand and assist in all areas of developments in Ireland especially towards the implementation of the protocol and the protection of the Good Friday Agreement.”
“Both Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O”Neill were also guest speakers at our own group meeting of the Left where the party leaders gave a briefing on the situation in Ireland, the Irish protocol & the threats posed by the British government to international law. First Minister designate O’Neill received a warm ovation from those present following her recent election success.”
The Sinn Féin visit to the EU parliament concluded with a briefing of the Co-Chairs of UK Contact Group, where again the central topic was post-election developments in the north, the implementation of the protocol and the need for constructive dialogue between the European Commission and the Westminster government.
“Today was an important occasion in maintaining and developing the relationship between Belfast and Brussels.” said MacManus “It is our responsibility to keep our colleagues in the European institutions keenly aware of every development in the North of Ireland. The recent election victory was a seismic moment and there is a sense that our friends in Europe understand fully the historic nature of Michelle O’Neill’s election to the position of First Minister designate. The significance of the change happening on the island of Ireland is certainly causing a stir at an EU level. I believe today was another important step on the road to an exciting new Ireland.” ENDS
MacManus and Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland to address Sligo public meeting
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has announced that the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Dr Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, will be the main speaker at a public meeting in Sligo on Thursday, 2nd June.
The public meeting will be held in the Glasshouse Hotel at 7.30pm that evening and will be part of Ambassador Abdalmajid’s first visit to Sligo. Earlier that day, she will also receive a Civic Reception at Sligo City Hall from Mayor Arthur Gibbons and is expected to visit a local secondary school.
MEP MacManus was only days ago barred from entering Gaza as part of a European Parliament delegation to Palestine.
Referring to the public meeting, MacManus said:
“I am very pleased Ambassador Wahba Abdalmajid has accepted my invitation to arrange an engagement between her and the people of Sligo. Marie Crawley, the chair of Palestinian rights group Sadaka, will also address the event.
“Sligo has a proud tradition of Palestinian solidarity. Many people will recall when the Palestinian flag flew from Sligo County Council in solidarity with those living under a brutal occupation. For local human rights activists, the annual New Year’s Eve vigil on Hyde Bridge is our local way to focus people’s minds on what is a cruel injustice being inflicted on the Palestinian people.
“Therefore, this is a unique opportunity to gain a valuable insight into the struggle of the Palestinian people. The recent murder of journalist Shireen Abu Akleh received media attention from around the world. Unfortunately, it is only one example of the harsh reality of Israel’s crushing occupation. UN Rapporteur Michael Lynk along with respected human rights organisations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have plainly called out what we are witnessing, which is a brutal apartheid state. It is therefore all our responsibilities to understand and work to see an end to this injustice.
“The fact that this week Israel barred myself and several other MEPs as part of an official European Parliament Delegation permission to enter Gaza, the day before our departure and without reason, shows it has no interest in respecting human rights.
“So I would encourage anyone with an interest in Palestine to come along to the event and listen to the panel of guest speakers and I very much look forward to the Ambassador experiencing the warm welcome of the people of Sligo and the surrounding counties. ENDS
"The international community must not give up on peace in Palestine" - Chris MacManus MEP
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus believes that the international community is neglecting its obligation to help deliver peace in Palestine. MacManus, a member of the European Parliament’s Delegation to Palestine, said:
“Events in Gaza and Jerusalem this week reminded us that the lack of a lasting solution to the conflict means regular eruptions of violence are all but certain.
“In what is an important time of the year for Christianity, Judaism and Islam, the message of reconciliation should be front and centre.
“Regrettably, we’ve seen an exchange of rocket fire between Israel and Gaza, Israeli soldiers raiding the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Israelis and Palestinians killed periodically, and clashes between settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank.
“The internationally accepted solution is for two states, but its implementation is being delayed because Israel knows that this would mean giving up land it has illegally seized in the West Bank. Israel expresses sparse interest in this solution while actively chipping away at its workability, through the seizing of more Palestinian land.
“This has been allowed to prevail because of the international community’s half-hearted commitment to punishing Israel for breaking international law.
“It is shocking that the recognition of Israel as implementing apartheid, outlined in a recent UN expert report, did not result in any significant condemnation from the United Nations.
“Sinn Féin believes that justice delayed is justice denied and what is required is measures to combat the Israeli government’s flouting of international law.
“Sinn Féin is therefore calling on the Irish Government to utilise its place on the UN Security Council to build support for concrete action, as a return to a rules based legal order is the first step in delivering the two-state solution.” ENDS
MacManus Meets with EU Parliament President
Sinn Féin MEP Chris MacManus has met with President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. Speaking after the meeting, MacManus commented on the important role that the EU has played in supporting the Irish Peace Process.
Speaking from Strasbourg, MacManus said:
“I was delighted to meet the European Parliament’s new president, Roberta Metsola. The meeting touched on a number of important issues facing Ireland and the EU, including her recent visit to the Ukrainian Parliament in Kyiv.
“As a Sinn Féin MEP representing the border region of Ireland, protecting the Good Friday Agreement and Ireland from the harmful impacts of Brexit has been my main priority.
“I updated President on the debate on the Protocol with regard to the Assembly elections and the likelihood that a strong pro-Protocol majority will be returned on 5 May.
“I stressed the important role the EU Commission, especially Commissioner Šefčovič, is playing in engaging directly with elected representatives, businesses and civic organisations in the North. I urged a wider discussion on how best the European Parliament can live up to its commitment to engage in direct dialogue with the Belfast Assembly. Such a dialogue can be helpful following the election in order to ensure that the incoming Assembly and Executive have a direct line of communication with which to influence EU laws that apply to the north of Ireland as part of the implementation of the Protocol.
MacManus concluded:
“It is always worth recalling the important role that the European Union has played in supporting the Irish peace process. I am confident that President Metsola and the European Parliament will continue to articulate it’s commitment to the Good Friday Agreement - in all its parts.” ENDS
