Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 19 Jun 2001

Vol. 538 No. 3

Written Answers. - Common Position on Nigeria.

Bernard J. Durkan

Question:

124 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation regarding the most recent developments in Nigeria; the degree to which he has influenced or proposes to influence the situation there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18157/01]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I refer the Deputy to my reply to his question on 9 May this year. Since then, the European Union has adopted a common position on Nigeria and Ireland fully subscribes to it. In the common position, Ireland and its European partners indicated that we intend to maintain a positive, constructive and consistent approach towards Nigeria, to support it in its efforts to consolidate democracy and to advance economic development.

The common position identifies five key areas for future EU support, namely, the development of a democratic culture, institutional capacity building, the poverty reduction strategy paper, economic growth and development and strengthening Nigerian capacity for regional integration, conflict prevention and resolution and crisis management in west Africa.

That the European Union has adopted a common position on Nigeria is an indication of the high priority we attach to it and its development. It is in the best interests not only of Nigeria, but of the sub-region and of the continent as a whole that Nigeria continues to develop in a stable and democratic way. We will continue, therefore, to monitor events in Nigeria and to support its efforts to create a just and democratic society of which all Nigerians can feel proud to be part.