Vol. 473 No. 6
88 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's reaction to the massacre of 57 people in terrorist bomb attacks in Algiers in the 12 days previous to 21 January 1997; and the steps, if any, being taken internationally to resolve the crisis. [2236/97]
The Government is appalled by the recent violence in Algeria. The security situation in Algeria has been of grave concern to the Government and our partners in the European Union ever since the outbreak of the cycle of violence in 1992. At the most recent session of the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, Ireland in its capacity as Presidency of the European Union, condemned all acts of violence whatever the source, particularly terrorist attacks against the civilian population.
Ireland, together with its partners in the European Union, has repeatedly called upon all sides to the conflict to cease all acts of violence in order to allow for peaceful dialogue and reconciliation. While acknowledging that it is for the Algerian people to resolve the crisis on the basis of reconciliation, the EU has given its support for initiatives aimed at encouraging dialogue between those who reject terrorism and violence and at widening the democratic process. It has repeatedly stressed that respect for human rights is an obligation on all institutions, political groups and individuals in Algeria.
The European Union has recently decided to begin negotiations with Algeria on an Association Agreement in the context of the Barcelona Euro Mediterranean Process in which Algeria is a participant. The Union believes that the conclusion of an Association Agreement would contribute towards the restoration of stability to Algeria.
