Vol. 475 No. 4
82 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's response to the Zairean Government's rejection of a rebel ceasefire on 17 February 1997; and the steps, if any, being taken and the progress, if any, made in restoring peace and stability to the African Great Lakes Region. [5071/97]
The Government and our EU partners are gravely concerned about the spreading military conflict in Eastern Zaire and the issue was discussed by the General Affairs Council at its meeting in Brussels yesterday. The conflict is increasing political tensions and aggravating the acute humanitarian situation in Central Africa. Our current concerns have been clearly stated in the declaration made by the Presidency on behalf of the Union on 17 February which, inter alia, calls on the parties to the conflict in Eastern Zaire, including the Government side, to negotiate a ceasefire without delay and to facilitate access to the region for humanitarian organisations so that they can assist those in distress. We have reiterated our full support for the mediation efforts of African leaders and unequivocally condemned all interference in the conflict, calling for the withdrawal of all outside and mercenary forces. The concerns of the EU are also being made known directly to the Governments of Zaire and other countries of the Great Lakes Region by the Union's special envoy, Mr. Aldo Ajello, who has been engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts throughout the region since 29 January.
In its Declaration of 17 February, the EU has based its call on all parties to seek a political solution to the problems of Zaire and of the Great Lakes Region on the following five principles: (a) respect for the territorial integrity, inviolability and security of the frontiers of Zaire and of the other countries in the region; (b) respect for the rights of citizens in accordance with internationally recognised principles and the relevant international legislation; (c) voluntary repatriation of refugees, affording them a genuine opportunity to return home without intimidation or risk to their safety on the journey or at destination, in compliance with humanitarian law; (d) compliance with the principle of non-aggression between states and restoration of good-neighbourly relations, including effective prevention of all illegal activity by groups in opposition to the Governments of neighbouring countries; (e) the process of democratisation of all countries in the region and continuation of the process of transition to democracy and holding of free and fair elections in Zaire. These principles, which guide the current approach of the Government and our European partners, complement and support that of the recently appointed Joint United Nations and Organisation of African Unity special representative to the Great Lakes Region, Mr. Mohammed Sahnoun, who had respective meetings with President Mobutu and rebel leader Laurent Kabila in Zaire last week. His five-point peace plan was adopted unanimously by the United Nations Security Council in its resolution number 1097 of 18 February. It seeks to build on an immediate cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of all external forces, including mercenaries, to bring about a rapid and peaceful settlement of the crisis through dialogue, the electoral process, and the convening of an international conference on peace, security and development in the Great Lakes Region under the aegis of the United Nations and the Organisation of African Unity.
