Vol. 474 No. 6
66 Mr. Andrews asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the action, if any, he intends to take in relation to ensuring fair treatment and a just trial of the Ogoni 19 who have been detained incommunicado and in life-threatening conditions since 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3477/97]
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Priority Question No. 20 of 11 December 1996 in which I outlined the steps being taken by the EU in order to help bring about an early return to democratic rule and full respect for human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria. I have also outlined in my reply the ongoing process of consultation and close review being undertaken by the EU in relation to Nigeria. This process includes the situation in Ogoniland and possible further Ogoni trials within its remit. As part of that process, the Government and our EU partners will continue to monitor closely developments in relation to the treatment of the Ogoni 19 and will press for the presence of EU human rights monitors at any relevant hearings.
