Vol. 476 No. 6
43 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give details of the current situation in Rwanda; the likely developments over the next five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7826/97]
The main challenge facing the Government and people of Rwanda at present is the peaceful reintegration of the more than 1.2 million refugees who have returned to the country from Zaire and Tanzania in response to the crisis in Eastern Zaire. This development has necessitated the support of Ireland and other international donors to ensure that the basic requirements of returnees for food, shelter and basic services are met. At the same time, we are seeking to meet the ongoing need to ensure national stability in Rwanda, to bring the perpetrators of the 1994 genocide to justice and to ensure that the human rights of returnees, genocide survivors and the country's huge prison population are respected. Along with our EU partners, NGO's and UN agencies, we are continuing our efforts to support the Government of Rwanda with a view to their implementing a sustainable, fair and inclusive programme of national reconciliation and economic development over the coming years.
The impact of the current conflict in Eastern Zaire on Rwanda and other countries of the Great Lakes Region provides clear evidence of the need for a comprehensive approach if lasting stability is to be achieved at both national and regional level. Such a comprehensive approach forms the basis for current efforts being made by the Government along with our EU partners, Joint UN and OAU Special Representative Sahnoun, regional leaders and other members of the international community, in our efforts to help resolve the crisis in Eastern Zaire. I have given a full account of our approach in my replies to Questions Nos. 82 and 39 of 25 February and 11 March, respectively, and my reply to Question No. 20 of yesterday's date.
44 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the lack of progress on the peace process since December 1994; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7827/97]
I do not fully accept the premise which appears to underlie the Deputy's question. Since December 1994, the Government has put in place a process of multi-party negotiations based on agreed and comprehensive ground rules, with authoritative international chairmanship of key aspects of the negotiations. The negotiations will resume on 3 June, following a break for the British general election and the Northern Ireland district council elections. The report of the International Body, which appeared in January 1996, offers a balanced and practicable way of dealing with the decommissioning question.
I agree, however, that progress has been disappointingly slow. While this is the product of many factors, and while all sides must accept a greater or lesser degree of responsibility, the single most important reason has been the IRA's decision to end its ceasefire in February 1996, and its continuing failure unequivocally to restore it.
