Vol. 567 No. 6
166 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if, given the fact that three million people have perished since 1998 in the tragic war ravaging the Democratic Republic of Congo and that Uganda holds sway in the troubled Ituri province, the Government will use its influence on the President of Uganda, Mr. Yoweri Euseveni, to help end the massive human rights violations against innocent civilians. [14931/03]
The Government is deeply concerned at the appalling loss of life in the tragic war that has been waged in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in recent years. I have articulated the Government's view on the matter on a number of occasions, including our views on the involvement of neighbouring countries in the conflict.
We maintain a critical dialogue with the Ugandan Government and raise on an ongoing basis a range of issues which are of concern to us. In particular, we have taken serious issue with Uganda's involvement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We have made clear repeatedly to the Ugandan authorities our view that the full implementation of the Lusaka ceasefire agreement by all parties to the conflict offers the most viable solution to that conflict.
Along with our partners in the European Union, we have issued a démarche to the Governments of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda and Uganda about the situation in Ituri, expressing grave concern about the continuing violation of human rights which are being perpetrated by many armed groups in the province, and calling on the countries concerned to use their influence to reduce tensions in the region.
