Human Rights Issues.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2004

Thursday, 25 March 2004

Questions (77)

Ciarán Cuffe

Question:

77 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the person who will be representing the African Union at the next meeting of the EU and the African Union on 1 April 2004 at Farmleigh House; and if human rights in Zimbabwe will be on the agenda. [9476/04]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The meeting between the European Union and Africa, to be held at Farmleigh House on 1 April 2004, will take place in troika format and Africa will, therefore, be represented by the African Union troika comprising Mozambique, the current African Union Presidency, South Africa, the former African Union Presidency, and the African Union Commission. It is expected that Mozambique will be represented by its Minister for Foreign Affairs and Co-operation, Mr. Leonardo Santos Simao, while South Africa will be represented by its Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr. N. C. Dlamini Zuma. Ambassador Said Djinit, Commissioner for Peace and Security, will head the African Union Commission delegation to the meeting.

The issue of human rights in Zimbabwe will be raised by the European Union and discussed as part of the general discussion on governance issues in Africa.