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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 15 Oct 1996

Vol. 470 No. 1

Written Answers. - EU Envoy.

Ray Burke

Question:

124 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs whether the Government intends to appoint a permanent EU envoy to the Middle East during the Irish Presidency of the EU; and if so, the precise mandate of such an envoy. [18333/96]

The Special European Council in Dublin on 5 October instructed the General Affairs Council, at its next meeting at the end of October, to consider a mandate for the position of a European Union envoy to the Middle East.

The idea of appointing an EU envoy to the Middle East reflects a strong willingness on the Union's part to become more actively involved in efforts to assist in the revitalisation of the Middle East peace process on the basis of its major contribution to the process so far and its already wide engagement with the region. Since the General Affairs Council has been asked to establish a mandate for the position of envoy, it will be necessary to await the outcome of the deliberation of the council before the mandate of an EU envoy can be specified. The appointment of the EU envoy will be a matter for the Council of Ministers on behalf of the Union as a whole, rather than for the Government of Ireland in its capacity as Presidency.

Ray Burke

Question:

125 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the precise agenda of the new mission to be undertaken by EU special envoy Aldo Ajello in Burundi. [18334/96]

As I indicated in my written reply to the Deputy on 25 September 1996, the EU special envoy, Mr. Aldo Ajello, is carrying out a mission to capitals in the Great Lakes regions to assist directly in the regional efforts to commence a process of negotiations between the various parties in Burundi. This follows the declaration made by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union on 19 August in support of the regional leaders, the Organisation of African Unity and the former President of Tanzania, Mr. Julius Nyerere, in their efforts to assist Burundi in overcoming the grave crisis which it is facing.

Mr. Ajello departed for the Great Lakes region on 2 October and has met with the leading figures on all sides to the conflict in Burundi, with regional leaders and with former President Nyerere. He also attended the third summit of East African leaders on Burundi which took place in Arusha, Tanzania, on 12 October, and is following this up with further contacts in the region. In his contacts, Mr. Ajello is reiterating the position taken by the European Union in its declaration of 19 August, with particular reference to the Union's view that it is essential for a dialogue to be organised without delay, bringing together all of Burundi's political forces without exception, including representatives of civil society, in order to negotiate a democratic, institutional consensus ensuring security for all.

The Irish Presidency, along with its EU partners, will continue to work in close liaison with special envoy Ajello in supporting the United Nations, the Organisation of African Unity, regional leaders and Mr. Nyerere in their efforts to bring about a negotiated and peaceful resolution of the conflict.

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