asked the Minister for External Affairs if there have been any further recent developments to negotiate a ceasefire in the Nigerian-Biafra Conflict.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Nigeria-Biafra Conflict.
14.
The Organisation of African Unity met in Algiers last September to consider the report of its consultative committee on Nigeria. It adopted a resolution appealing to the secessionist leaders to co-operate with the Federal authorities in order to restore peace and unity in Nigeria. It further appealed for cessation of hostilities, and called upon member States of the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity to refrain from any action detrimental to the peace, unity and territorial integrity of Nigeria.
During the last two months the Organisation of African Unity has been continuing its efforts to promote peace and it has been reported that the Secretary General of the organisation, Mr. Diallo Telli has been in touch with both parties to the conflict in an effort to secure the implementation of OAU resolution. It is hoped that the consultative committee will meet again before long to consider what further steps can be taken to end the disastrous conflict and to establish peace and co-operation between all sections of the Nigerian people.
Would the Minister not agree that the ending of this unfortunate conflict is no nearer than it was three months ago and such being the case, the Organisation of African Unity having failed to secure a cease-fire, does he not think there is any action the Irish Government could take?
I do not see any effective action we can take and I think it is three months nearer peace.
Would the Minister not agree that there is no sign whatsoever of a cease-fire there? In fact, the war is continuing just the same as it was three months ago?
Not quite the same, no.