Bernard J. Durkan
Question:98 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress in regard to the evolution of the democratic process in East Timor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17029/00]
Written Answers. - Democratic Process.
I am following closely developments in relation to East Timor. The issue was discussed by Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg last Tuesday 13 June, when the head of UNTAET, Mr. Sergio de Mello, provided a briefing on the latest developments. While his assessment did not underestimate the size of the tasks remaining, particularly in the area of nation building and the formation of a tolerant society, it was overall positive.
The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor with the support of the international community, is working in close consultation with the National Consultative Council, which comprises East Timor representatives from various political streams, to develop indigenous capacity for the day that East Timor will be independent and in charge of its own affairs. This role of UNTAET is complementary to the one which it also has in providing security and overseeing reconstruction and economic development. The sum total of the work constitutes a complex process, where progress can be seen under the different headings, although not in an entirely uniform way, and where difficulties still exist in respect of refugee returns and increasing violence and criminal activity.
It is my understanding that UNTAET is trying to develop local capacity as quickly as possible, and in several instances this has to be built from a very low base. There is also local impatience at the slow speed of progress in some areas. The challenge therefore for UNTAET is to decide the degree and speed of handing over its responsibilities in each case, so that its work can be continued in a sustainable way. To address this challenge plans are currently being prepared for a greater "Timorisation" of the overall process, including a form of co-government in which international persons and East Timorese ministers would serve together in a cabinet.
The first major landmark along the road to independence will be free elections, which are expected to be held in 2001. These elections will lead to the establishment of a constituent assembly, which in turn will draft, debate and adopt a constitution. Following the adoption of the constitution, it is expected that the constituent assembly will become the Parliament.
Against this background there have also been some further recent positive developments. The Front for the Liberation of East Timor, FRETILIN, the long-standing pro-independence party, recently held a series of regional conferences followed by a national party congress of which the main theme was the need to replace the political infighting of the past with democratic practices and pluralism. It is also hoped that the UN Secretary General will be in a position by August to give a clear timetable for the move toward independence. Should that happen it could be considered by a general meeting of the National Council for Timorese Resistance which will also take place at that time.
A further examination of progress in East Timor will be carried out at a donors' conference which will be held in Lisbon on 22 and 23 June and which Ireland will be attending.
Ireland is committed to contributing to the work of capacity and nation-building, with particular concentration on the development of a legal system. I expect this work to continue when we open our aid office in Dili later this year.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:99 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the international community is monitoring the situation in Nigeria; the conclusions if any drawn; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17030/00]
The international community has been carefully following developments in Nigeria.
One year ago on 29 May 1999, President Olusegun Obasanjo was inaugurated as the first democratically elected civilian President of Nigeria following 15 years of military rule. In a message marking the first anniversary of Nigeria's return to democracy last month, the Secretary-General of the United Nations referred to the successful return to democratic government in the continent's most populous country as a significant landmark in Africa's quest for political stability and economic progress. Secretary-General Annan went on to praise President Obasanjo's personal commitment to the promotion of democracy in Africa and his work to revive the Nigerian economy and restore integrity and sound leadership to the country.
Since coming to power, the President and his Government have faced a number of challenges in restoring the country to full democracy, including in relation to political and economic issues. The Taoiseach and the Minister of State, Deputy O'Donnell, had an opportunity to discuss this and other issues during their meeting with President Obasanjo on the occasion of the first Africa-Europe Summit in Cairo in April this year.
In recent months, the introduction of Islamic Sharia law in certain parts of northern Nigeria, and the efforts by some state authorities to extend it, have exacerbated ethnic and religious tensions there. Tensions in the Niger Delta region are also a cause for concern, as is the recent disruption caused by the nationwide strike protesting against the increase in fuel prices.
We welcome the positive initiatives taken by President Obasanjo to date, and with our EU partners and other members of the international community we will continue to work to promote political and economic reforms and to co-operate with the elected authorities towards strengthening the rule of law, respect for human rights and good governance in Nigeria.