Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 May 2004
87 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU is considering sending troops to Sudan, as suggested by the chairman of the EU’s military committee, Gustav Hagglund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13467/04]
View answerThe EU is currently exploring a variety of means by which it could actively support the African Union in its efforts to attain peace in the Darfur region of Sudan. The possibility of direct military and/or civilian assistance under European Security and Defence Policy, ESDP, has been raised in this context.
At the invitation of the African Union, a representative of the EU military staff participated in a reconnaissance mission in Darfur last week. The purpose of this mission was to explore conditions for the establishment of a possible ceasefire commission, in the context of an overall African Union-led peace settlement in the region. EU participation in the reconnaissance mission underlines member states' collective support for African Union efforts in Darfur. The mission report can be expected to provide an important basis on which to explore scope for possible further EU involvement.
Consideration by the EU of practical support for the stabilisation of Darfur is very much in keeping with the emphasis the Irish Presidency is placing on African issues generally and, more specifically, on enhancing support under ESDP for conflict prevention, management and resolution in Africa. Therefore, I look forward to further positive exploration of this issue.
