Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 18 Nov 1993

Vol. 435 No. 11

Written Answers. - Aid to Burundi.

John Connor

Question:

47 Mr. Connor asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland has taken any position on the recent coup in Burundi which has led to thousands of reported deaths, and tens of thousands fleeing the country; and if his Department has donated any assistance to the victims of the tragedy in that country.

Nora Owen

Question:

60 Mrs. Owen asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the situation in Burundi; and if Ireland is sending any aid to this stricken country.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I condemn unreservedly the recent attempted coup in Burundi. The arbitrary execution of President Ndadaye and members of his Cabinet and the subsequent deaths of countless innocent civilians were appalling atrocities which I utterly deplore. The associated refugee problem is also a matter of grave concern.

Ireland fully supports the statement by the European Community of 21 October, 1993 which strongly condemned the attempted coup and reaffirmed support for Burundi's democratically elected Government.

The progress towards democracy following the June elections has been seriously disrupted. Everything possible must now be done to allow Prime Minister Sylvie Kiniga, as the most senior surviving cabinet member, to fulfil her role as democratically elected Prime Minister.

A request has been received from Concern for funding of an emergency programme for refugees from Burundi in Tanzania. I have decided to allocate £100,000 from the Emergency Humanitarian Assistance Fund to Concern.