Vol. 548 No. 1
64 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation in Algeria; if an improvement has been achieved regarding the human rights situation; if he will use his influence at EU and UN level to bring about an improvement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4035/02]
The Government remains deeply concerned at the suffering caused by the civil conflict in Algeria. The internal security situation remains extremely volatile and the recent period has been marked by a further increase in killings, with Islamic extremists continuing to target the civilian population. Ireland, together with our EU partners, supports efforts to achieve a process of genuine political dialogue in Algeria. In a statement during the UN Third Committee debate on human rights in the recently concluded session of the General Assembly, the EU underlined the need for a greater respect for human rights by the security forces and expressed cautious support for new initiatives announced by the Algerian authorities for political, social and economic reforms.
The dialogue between the EU and Algeria will be enhanced by the recently negotiated EU-Algeria Association Agreement based on the framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership. Article 2 of that agreement states that respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights, as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, will guide the internal and international politics of the parties and will constitute an essential element of the agreement. The agreement also commits Algeria to develop the rule of law and democracy, including the upholding of fundamental freedoms. Ireland expects to see these commitments implemented fully in practice.
