Jim O'Keeffe
Question:242 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if there are any steps that can be taken to encourage an improvement in human rights in Algeria. [2164/01]
Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses.
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:274 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will indicate the current position in Algeria; the degree to which progress has been made towards recognition of democracy and observance of human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2576/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 242 and 274 together.
The human rights situation in Algeria continues to be a serious cause of concern. The internal security situation has been marked by an alarming increase in killings, particularly over the Moslem holy month of Ramadan. These outbreaks of blood letting both violate human rights and jeopardise the programme of national reconciliation. The Government wants to see the Algerian people finally emerge from the violence they have suffered for so long. We are strongly encouraging all efforts towards the achievement of that goal.
In ongoing discussions with our EU partners on this issue we have emphasised the need for a constructive dialogue with Algeria. In this context the EU has encouraged key reforms, including modernisation and improvements in human rights, and has funded constructive assistance through the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. In the dialogue, Ireland has sought to maintain a strong focus on human rights and the promotion of the role of civil society. The dialogue is conducted under the Barcelona Declaration of November 1995, whose aim is to lead to a strengthening of democracy and respect for human rights, sustainable and balanced economic and social development, measures to combat poverty and promotion of greater understanding between cultures. We would also hope to see a constructive dialogue within Algeria between the government and the opposition to make greater progress towards a more inclusive society.
Algeria's membership of the Euro-Mediterranean partnership can make a valuable contribution towards the ending of civil conflict in that country. Each partner country has made specific commitments under the declaration to act in accordance with the UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The partnership also commits states to develop the rule of law and democracy, including the upholding of fundamental freedoms. This is one of its fundamental pillars and we expect to see that these commitments are fully implemented in practice. The EU has also sought information from the Algerian Government on specific disappearance cases. The Algerian authorities responded to these démarches last year furnishing partial information to the EU Presidency on some cases. The EU is to seek clarification of this information. Ireland sees this as part of an ongoing process, and has passed on information on further cases to the EU Presidency for further démarches.
The European Union welcomed the outcome of the referendum in September 1999 in which the Algerian people endorsed a vision of national peace and reconciliation. The amnesty introduced by President Bouteflika is a positive step. At this stage, further steps are clearly necessary, and it is essential that all groups work for reconciliation and security in the country.