Vol. 487 No. 5
76 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he proposes, either directly or through the Council of Ministers, to initiate measures with the objective of achieving an end to the ongoing strife in Nigeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4499/98]
The Government remains gravely concerned at continuing human rights abuses in Nigeria and the delays in the transition to democratic rule in that country. Together with our EU partners we are availing of every appropriate opportunity to support an early return to democracy and full respect for human rights and the rule of law.
At the recent 52nd Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Ireland and our EU partners reiterated our call for democratic and human rights reform in Nigeria and co-sponsored a resolution condemning human rights abuses. Prior to that, at last year's session of the UN Commission on Human Rights, an EU-sponsored resolution strongly supported by Ireland, had called for the appointment of a UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Nigeria. Recently, the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Soli J. Sorabjee, was appointed. The Government urges the Nigerian authorities to co-operate fully with him. Together with other members of the international community, we will be reviewing the progress of his work at this year's Session of the Commission on Human Rights.
On 28 November, the EU Council of Development Ministers expressed its grave concern at the numerous human rights violations in Nigeria, including the detention of political prisoners, and at the delay in the process of democratisation. The Council also decided, with strong support from Ireland, to extend the EU's Common Position on Nigeria and its restrictive measures, until 1 November 1998. The extended EU restrictive measures include inter alia an arms embargo, the suspension of military co-operation, visa restrictions on members of the Nigerian military or government and their families, the suspension of all high level visits, and the interruption of sporting contacts.
In addition to extending these measures, the Council also provided that: after six months — that is to say next May — the Union will assess, at Council level, the situation in Nigeria on the basis of a report from the Presidency, and, if elections fail to produce a return to democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria before 1 October 1998, the EU will adopt further measures in addition to those adopted on 4 December 1995.
It is evident from the outcome of the Council on 28 November that Ireland and our European partners are actively monitoring the situation in Nigeria pending the restoration of a credible civilian government and meaningful human rights reform. In so doing we are particularly concerned about the conduct of the national elections scheduled to be held there in August and the approaching official deadline for democratic transition on 1 October. We are also liaising closely with the Commonwealth, the United States and others who have adopted a similarly firm approach to human rights and democratisation issues in Nigeria. Against this background, the Government continues to support concerted international action which will lead to an early return to democratic government and full observance of human rights in that country.
