I propose to take Questions Nos. 109 and 111 together.
I set out in detail the Government's position as regards Algeria in my reply to parliamentary questions answered on 19 February 1998.
In brief, the Government has stressed its close solidarity with the Algerian people in all contacts which we have had with the Algerian authorities. I emphasised this issue in my discussions with Algerian Government leaders during my visit to that country last December. On that occasion I pressed for the admittance of UN special human rights rapporteurs to Algeria. I also indicated that together with my EU colleagues, I was at the disposal of the protagonists should the EU be requested to help facilitate a political solution.
The Government has also been active at the level of the EU in urging greater efforts by the Union towards the ending of violence in Algeria. We were particularly supportive of the offer made during the recent visit of the ministerial level EU Troika when the EU side offered to provide humanitarian assistance to the survivors of massacres in Algeria — an offer which the Algerian Government declined.
I will continue to pursue a policy of active diplomacy and urge my colleagues in the Union to do so individually and collectively as I believe therein lies the best hope of success in this tragic situation.