Jim O'Keeffe
Question:59 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current political position in Liberia; and his views on the best way in which to encourage a peaceful resolution. [30221/03]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
Under the terms of the comprehensive peace agreement that was brokered commendably by the regional organisation, the Economic Community of West African States, or ECOWAS, on 18 August 2003, and which has been endorsed by the United Nations Security Council, Mr. Gyude Bryant will serve as chairman of the transitional Government until parliamentary and presidential elections are held before the end of 2005. On taking office, Mr. Bryant pledged to introduce transparency in government and respect for human rights. The process of selecting members of the transitional Government and legislative assembly is ongoing. The Irish Government was represented at the inauguration of the Liberian transitional government in Monrovia on October 14 by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt.
The United Nations Mission in Liberia, or UNMIL, was established on 19 September 2003 under UN Security Council Resolution 1509 for a period of one year. Under the resolution, UNMIL is mandated, inter alia, to observe and monitor the comprehensive ceasefire agreement, to protect, within its capabilities, civilians under imminent threat of violence, to support the provision of humanitarian assistance, to help promote human rights, and to support generally the implementation of the peace process.
Despite recent improvements in the security situation in UN-controlled areas and progress in the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement, the peace process remains fragile. Monrovia is now a weapons free zone, but the situation is less stable in other areas. Sporadic outbreaks of fighting in rebel strongholds highlight the need for a comprehensive process of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration. The disarmament campaign was formally launched by the UN on 1 December.
The Government has deployed a contingent of the Permanent Defence Force to participate in this peacekeeping mission. The Irish contingent comprises a motorised infantry battalion of some 430 personnel, including the deployment of a small number of personnel at force headquarters in Monrovia. At the request of the UN, a contingent of the Army ranger wing amounting to some 40 personnel has been deployed for a three month period. The Government is of the view that the deployment of UNMIL is critically important in supporting the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement and for the political and economic recovery of Liberia.
Ireland will continue to encourage all parties in and around Liberia to carry out their commitments and obligations under the comprehensive peace agreement. We will lend active support to the work of the United Nations special representative in Liberia, Jacques Klein, and to the EU special representative for the region, Hans Dahlgren.