Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 15 Jun 2000

Vol. 521 No. 3

Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

17 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions if any which he has had at Council of Ministers level or at the UN in regard to the ongoing situation in Sierra Leone; if it has been possible to positively influence the situation there with a view to the safeguarding of human rights and the protection of life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16958/00]

P. J. Sheehan

Question:

55 Mr. Sheehan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the current situation in Sierra Leone. [16921/00]

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

91 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he has focused international attention on the situation in Sierra Leone with a view to encouraging stability in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17022/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 17, 55 and 91 together.

The Government is deeply concerned at the tragic developments in Sierra Leone. Although the security situation has been stabilising, it nevertheless remains highly volatile. Together with EU partners we have discussed these events on a number of occasions, most recently at the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg last Tuesday, 13 June where we reiterated our deep concern about the continuing crisis and strongly supported the efforts of the UN peacekeeping forces to restore long-term peace and stability to that country. We have appealed to the international community to join the EU in supporting a strategy in Sierra Leone which further stabilises the security situation, repels the rebels, restores the peace process and helps rebuild Sierra Leone.

Since its signature in July of last year, we have consistently expressed our support for the Lomé Peace Agreement, and called on all parties to strictly adhere to its terms in order to achieve a lasting peaceful resolution of a conflict that has imposed immense suffering on the people of Sierra Leone. In this respect, we have emphasised that the accountability of individual perpetrators of grave human rights violations is important in ensuring a fair and equitable justice system and ultimately, reconciliation and stability in the country.

The recent 56th Session of the UN Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, where Ireland is an active participant, adopted a resolution on the Human Rights situation in Sierra Leone by consensus.

We have strongly condemned the recent actions taken by the Revolutionary United Front, in direct violation of the peace agreement, and are deeply disturbed by reports of the killing of personnel from the UN Mission in Sierra Leone.

We have called on the RUF to end all violence, to disarm, to release all detainees unconditionally and safely, and to implement the Lomé Peace Agreement which remains the basis for lasting peace and stability in Sierra Leone. We have also called on it to cease all attacks against UNAMSIL, and to implement fully its commitments under the peace agreement, including the implementation of the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programme. Together with our EU colleagues we have welcomed the decision of the Government of Sierra Leone to put Foday Sankoh, the leader of the RUF, on trial.

The Government has, with our European Union partners, expressed its grave concern over the allegations of arms shipments that have helped the RUF to sustain military operations since the peace agreement was concluded, and we have called on all parties to refrain from any action that contributes to prolonging the conflict further. While acknowledging the responsible role that President Taylor of Liberia played in the release of UN detainees held by the RUF in Sierra Leone, we have expressed concern that he has failed to act to prevent arms and other supplies from reaching the rebels from the territory of Liberia, and that the illicit diamond trade which provides finance for the rebel activities continues through Liberia.

We have expressed our strong support for the efforts of the United Nations to fulfil its mandate in Sierra Leone. Recognising that a strong, effective and robust UN force is essential if lasting peace is to be achieved, we have appealed to the international community to offer increased support for UNAMSIL.

The Government and its EU partners are determined that UNAMSIL be given the support needed to fulfil the mandate given to it by the Security Council. We support the appeal of UN Secretary-General Annan to the leaders of the region to redouble their efforts to bring the situation under control and we welcome international efforts in support of the implementation of the Security Council resolutions. We have agreed to consider urgently what practical support we might give in order to help the UN fulfil its mandate, and to strengthen the UN presence in Sierra Leone over the coming weeks.

The Government will continue to support efforts aimed at securing lasting peace and stability in Sierra Leone and at alleviating the suffering caused to the people there by the nine years of civil war in the country.