Vol. 474 No. 5
22 Mr. Briscoe asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the proposals, if any, there are at national and EU level to activate mediation efforts in an attempt to find a resolution to the ongoing civil war in Algeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3212/97]
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. It has already left more than 50,000 people dead. Ireland condemns all acts of violence against a civilian population.
The Union has repeatedly called on all sides to the conflict to cease all acts of violence in order to allow for peaceful dialogue and reconciliation. The European Union and Ireland have given their support to initiatives aimed at encouraging dialogue between those who reject terrorism and violence, while acknowledging that it is for the people of Algeria themselves to resolve the current conflict on the basis of reconciliation.
The Union is actively encouraging all parties to assist in developing the democratic process in Algeria. It is working with Algeria in the framework of the Barcelona Euro Mediterranean process in which Algeria is a participant. This process commits all members to develop the rule of law and democracy in their political systems and respect human rights and fundamental freedoms. In the context of the Barcelona Process, the European Union recently decided to begin negotiations on an association agreement between the Union and Algeria. Respect for human rights and democratic principles would form an essential part of any agreement with Algeria and help to stabilise the situation in that country.
