Vol. 424 No. 9
15 Mr. Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the need to make contributions towards an international observer corps at the forthcoming elections in Lesotho particularly in view of our bilateral aid relationship with that country.
I believe that the forthcoming elections in Lesotho must take place in conditions which permit the rapid return to democratic civilian rule. The elections scheduled for 28 November have been postponed until late January. No precise date has yet been fixed.
In view of Ireland's long-standing aid relationship with Lesotho, I would hope that it will be possible for Ireland to support the forthcoming elections in order to contribute to the restoration of democratic civilian rule. I should point out that invitations to participate as observers have so far been issued only to international organisations. In the event that Ireland is invited to nominate observers for the forthcoming elections, I will respond positively. I imagine Deputy Connor is interested in such a response.
All members of the former development committee will be interested in it.
The views of the committee will be taken into consideration.
I welcome the Minister's reply in general terms. The Minister said that he hoped it would be possible for Ireland to support the forthcoming elections. I should like the Minister to give a commitment in respect of the specific point I raised in my question, that is, will he give a commitment that he will send an observer to the forthcoming elections? As the Minister knows, recent elections held in Nigeria and other places which were not properly observed——
Angola.
The election in Angola was well observed but the loser did not accept the result.
I agree.
In view of this, will the Minister give a commitment that we will contribute towards funding an observer from this country?
This is really a matter for multilateral organisations but it is not an unreasonable request. I have always responded positively to requests made by Members of the House in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy and I would not regard his request as an exception.
