Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Mar 1994

Vol. 440 No. 4

Written Answers. - Togo Civil Rights Case.

Michael McDowell

Question:

86 Mr. M. McDowell asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to international concern over the case of a person (details supplied) and the apparent abuse of her civil rights as a citizen of Togo; whether he has made any representations to the President and Government of Togo in respect of her death; whether he will be pressing the Togolese Government for an independent inquiry into her death; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I am aware of the details of the case referred to in the Deputy's question. The EU issued a statement on 16 February 1993 condemning the violence which led to thousands fleeing Lomé, the capital of Togo. This exodus was precipitated by the killing by government forces of a group of pro-democracy demonstrators on 25 January 1993, among whom was the person referred to.

While Ireland is not representated in Togo, our EU partners have been active in raising with the Togolese authorities the concerns of the European Union and its member states regarding the abuse of human rights in that country.

A central concern of the Union is the transition to democracy in Togo. Parliamentary elections were held on 6 and 20 February last and I would like to reiterate the call of the European Union made on 28 February to all parties involved to abide by the results of these elections.