Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 7

Written Answers. - Algerian Conflict.

Seán Haughey

Question:

31 Mr. Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's and the EU's response to the escalation of violence and political tension in Algeria; and the steps, if any, being taken by the Government and the EU to stabilise the situation in Algeria. [23989/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The political and security situation in Algeria has been of grave concern to the Government and to our partners in the European Union since the outbreak of the cycle of violence in 1992 which left more than 50,000 people dead. The Union has repeatedly called on all sides to the conflict to cease all acts of violence to allow for peaceful dialogue and reconciliation. While acknowledging that it is for the people of Algeria to resolve the current conflict on the basis of reconciliation, the European Union has given its support to initiatives aimed at encouraging dialogue between those who reject terrorism and violence.

At the current session of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, the Irish Presidency, in a statement on behalf of the European Union, drew attention to developments in Algeria, particularly in relation to human rights. The Presidency condemned all acts of violence whatever the source, particularly terrorist attacks against the civilian population. The statement reiterated the Union's hope that stability and peace, a peaceful dialogue and free and fair elections will prevail in Algeria.

The Union is doing what it can to encourage all parties to work towards developing the democratic process in Algeria. It is committed to working with Algeria in the context of the Barcelona Euro Mediterranean process in which Algeria is a participant and which commits all members to develop the rule of law and democracy in their political systems and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. The European Union recently decided to begin negotiations on an association agreement between the Union and Algeria. Support for human rights and democratisation will form an essential part of any agreement worked out with Algeria.