Vol. 423 No. 1
380 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will assist Eritrea in the run up to their elections in 1993 either by funding or personnel in the preparation programme; and if he will outline the assistance, if any, he will give to this emerging democracy in its efforts to develop its infrastructure etc.
Officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs met Dr. Amare Tekle, the Chief Commissioner for the Eritrean Referendum, when he visited Ireland on 3 September 1992. He invited Ireland to send observers to the referendum and asked for assistance in the preparation of the referendum. Dr. Tekle has also approached other EC countries with similar requests.
In response to a request from the Eritrean authorities, the United Nations has sent a Technical Mission to Eritrea to prepare a report on the potential involvement of the UN in the referendum. The report of the UN mission is expected to be available shortly and we will take a decision on Dr. Tekle's request in the light of the report.
