Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 11 Dec 1996

Vol. 472 No. 7

Written Answers. - EU Foreign Affairs Policy.

Mary Wallace

Question:

39 Miss M. Wallace asked the asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, in view of the EU declaration on Zambia published by the Irish Presidency on behalf of the EU on 31 October 1996, the recent declaration on the situation in Afghanistan published by the Irish Presidency on behalf of the EU on 28 October 1996, the Council Declaration on Guatemala published by the Irish Presidency on 13 November 1996 and the declaration regarding incidents at La Planata Prison, Venezuela published by the Irish Presidency on behalf of the EU on 7 November 1996, the action, if any, being taken by the EU, on the initiative of the Irish Presidency, to ensure that the current political situation in Zambia and Afghanistan does not deteriorate further, to ensure the speedy resumption of negotiations between URNG and the Guatemalan Government and to ensure that Venezuelan prisons are adapted to meet the requirements of human rights. [23974/96]

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

The Declaration on Zambia of 31 October 1996 referred to in the Deputy's question relates to the presidential and parliamentary elections held in the country on 18 November which were boycotted by a number of opposition parties. While recognising that the elections took place in a peaceful and orderly manner, the European Union deeply regrets that they were not held on a basis acceptable to all parties. We are seriously concerned that the absence of political consensus might result in a decline in the previous standards of governance in Zambia. The EU and its member states have, over the past five years, strongly supported the Zambian Government's economic and political reform programme and we now look to the Zambian Government to reinvigorate this reform programme. The Irish Presidency issued a declaration on behalf of the European Union to this effect on 20 November. In addition the declaration called on the Zambian authorities and all political parties to engage in dialogue in order to overcome their differences peacefully and to avoid confrontation. The Irish Presidency is availing of every opportunity to convey its concerns in this regard to the Zambian Government and opposition parties and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

The EU has also expressed its concern about the conflict in Afghanistan in a declaration which was adopted at the General Affairs Council of Foreign Ministers in Luxembourg on 28 October. In this statement, the EU calls for the immediate cessation of these hostilities to prevent further destruction and loss of life, and strongly urges all parties to seek a peaceful settlement through negotiation that will ultimately result in a political solution that would bring peace and stability to Afghanistan. Of particular concern to the EU is the widespread violation of human rights in Afghanistan, especially discrimination against women and girls. The Resolution 1076/1996 (22 October 1996) of the UN Security Council denounces such discrimination as well as other violations of human rights in Afghanistan.

The final declaration at the Teheran Conference on 29-30 October 1996, at which the Irish Presidency represented the EU as observers, emphasised the role of the UN. This accords with the EU's approach: we would like to see the fullest possible support for the UN Special Mission in Afghanistan (UNSMA), headed by Mr. Holl. The EU will continue to monitor the situation in Afghanistan closely, in close co-operation with the UN and UNSMA.

As regards Guatemala, I am pleased to report that negotiations between the Government of Guatemala and the URNG have been successfully concluded and final peace accords between the parties are due to be signed on 29 December 1996. The European Union acknowledges the spirit of reconciliation shown by all parties in bringing to an end the long conflict which that country has endured. The people of Guatemala may be assured that they will have the good will and the practical support of the European Union in facing the great social, economic and political challenges which lie ahead.

I stress that the European Union attaches great importance to the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. This is a condition which must be applied in all situations, including the case of prisoners. Following the issue of the declaration on 7 November regarding prison conditions in Venezuela the ambassador representing the Presidency in Caracas discussed the matter with the relevant authorities. We have been assured by the Venezuelan Government that it attaches a very high priority to the reform of the penal code and the prison system. The EU will continue to monitor the pace of progress and will give as much practical help and encouragement as it can.