Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 4 Nov 1997

Vol. 482 No. 3

Written Answers. - Human Rights in Algeria.

Ivan Yates

Question:

43 Mr. Yates asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the recent local elections in Algeria. [18118/97]

Jim O'Keeffe

Question:

44 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the Algerian elections and the appalling carnage in that country and the role, if any, Ireland has to offer directly or indirectly to assist in this regard. [18010/97]

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

48 Mr. Quinn asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the recent local elections in Algeria and the allegations of vote rigging which accompanied the elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18095/97]

Eamon Gilmore

Question:

49 Mr. Gilmore asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the plans, if any, he has to encourage an initiative, either through the EU or the United Nations, to end the current violence in Algeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18027/97]

Alan Shatter

Question:

58 Mr. Shatter asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his Department will take an initiative at European Union level to consider the action, if any, which can be taken to end the horrendous murderous violence occurring in Algeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17865/97]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 22, 37, 43, 44, 48, 49 and 58 together.

I record my deep sense of shock at the reports of the tragic events involving the massacres of innocent civilians, particularly women and children, over the recent months in Algeria. I am also particularly concerned at the recent media disclosures of torture and murder of detainees by Algerian Government agents in clear violation of the fundamental freedom and human rights of these victims. I have also noted the reports about procedural irregularities in the recent elections.

Despite the assertions by the Algerian Government that what is happening in their country is its concern and not that of the international community, we cannot accept that view. It is incumbent on all members of the international community, whether in the UN or in other fora to make known their concerns on human rights issues.

As Deputies are aware, these events are part of an ongoing civil war in that country. Ireland, with our European Union partners, has been monitoring the situation very closely. Following the General Affairs Council of 15 September a declaration was issued which expressed concern at the massacres and the hope that the local elections which took place last week would initiate a process to overcome the instability and internal strife. The Foreign Ministers of the European Union returned to this issue at subsequent meetings and have authorised the Presidency to convey our concerns to the Algerian Foreign Minister who will be visiting Luxembourg in the near future. With my colleagues in the Foreign Affairs Council we are at the disposal of the protagonists should they wish us to facilitate a political solution to this crisis.

I confirm our continuing solidarity with the Algerian people in this dark hour of their history. I condemn outright all forms of terrorism, whatever the source, and I strongly encourage the Algerian Government to pursue political dialogue with all the democratic forces in that country in as inclusive a framework as possible. I also emphasise most strongly the great importance that I attach to the issue of fundamental freedoms and human rights in this context.

I have conveyed my concerns to the Algerian authorities, and I am actively considering what further action the Government can take to help bring about a cessation of violence in Algeria.