Trevor Sargent
Question:120 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he plans to invite Zimbabwean farmers who are being intimidated out of their farms to come here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14139/03]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
The plight of farmers and farm workers who have been forcibly displaced in Zimbabwe continues to be a matter of concern for the Irish Government and the European Union. President Mugabe's land reform process and the illegal land seizures which have accompanied same have had a devastating economic and humanitarian effect on the entire population.
The Government has no plans to invite Zimbabwean farmers who have been forced off their land to come to Ireland. Irish citizens who reside in Zimbabwe are entitled to come here. The inequalities of land ownership in Zimbabwe can only be resolved within an acceptable legal and economic framework. I condemn the human rights abuses which have taken place in Zimbabwe and I support the EU decision to renew sanctions on those who are principally responsible for such violations. The acceptable solution to the crisis in Zimbabwe is the restoration of democracy and respect for the rule of law.