Vol. 519 No. 1
85 Proinsias De Rossa asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's view on the current violence in Zimbabwe; the steps, if any, he will to take to secure an end to the current violence and promote a more equitable distri bution of land; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13066/00]
108 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the efforts, if any, he has made through the UN or EU to positively influence the situation in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13211/00]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 85 and 108 together.
The Government is deeply concerned at the continuing violence in Zimbabwe and the breakdown in the rule of law, illegal occupations, threats, intimidation, damage to property and tragic loss of life that have occurred since the early part of this year. Together with our EU partners, we have expressed our concern at the situation to the Government of Zimbabwe on a number of occasions.
We have appealed to the Government to ensure respect for the law, and to maintain public order and civil protection. Recalling the fundamental importance of respect for human rights, democratic principles and the rule of law, we have called on the Government to respect international law and standards.
Together with our EU partners, we have reiterated our commitment to orderly and transparent agrarian reform which respects the rights of all citizens and is compatible with the economic development requirements of the country. We have also stated our support for land resettlement within the rule of law and on the basis of principles and conclusions of the 1998 Land Reform and Resettlement Conference. At the same time, we have condemned the illegal occupation of farms, which seriously undermines the right of ownership and the freedoms guaranteed by the constitution.
In the run-up to parliamentary elections this year, we have urged the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure that fair elections, free of intimidation, are held within the timetable prescribed by the constitution. We have welcomed the willingness of the Government to accept international election observers, and with other EU member states, will be ready to send such a team subject to satisfactory freedom of access and security.
The Government will continue to support all efforts to resolve the current situation by peaceful means.
