Vol. 508 No. 2
78 Mr. Lawlor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the additional efforts, if any, being made unilaterally through the European Union or Ireland's representatives at the United Nations to bring about an end to the continuing internecine conflict in Algeria which has convulsed that country and caused the deaths of 100,000 people in the past eight years. [18415/99]
Ireland joined the European Union in a statement issued on 20 September 1999 welcoming the outcome of the referendum in Algeria which expressed the support of the Algerian people for President Bouteflia's vision of national reconciliation and peace.
The European Union confirmed its readiness to support and encourage the reform process in Algeria, particularly by way of Euro-Mediterranean co-operation, including the speedy resumption of negotiations on the conclusion of a Euro-Mediterranean association agreement. The EU attaches great importance to continuing the political dialogue entered into with Algeria. A ministerial level meeting with the EU troika is scheduled for 3 November this year in Algiers.
The European Union is also closely following the situation in Algeria at the United Nations, with particular regard to both human rights and terrorism.
