Bernard J. Durkan
Question:102 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the ongoing situation in Nigeria; if stability has been achieved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18962/04]
View answerThursday, 24 June 2004
Questions (104)
Written answers
The Irish Presidency issued a declaration on behalf of the European Union on 13 May 2004, expressing its dismay at the outbreak of violence in the town of Yelwa in Plateau State and at the violence that also erupted in the town of Kano. In the declaration, the EU noted the rapid response of the Nigerian Government in despatching additional security forces to the areas concerned and in imposing a curfew in order to stop this dramatic cycle of violence. The EU urged restraint and the need to avoid any acts of retaliation or provocation which would only result in renewed bloodshed and loss of life. The Nigerian Government was also called upon to ensure that any intervention be carried out with full respect for human rights and the rule of law. On 28 May 2004, the Presidency issued a further EU declaration in view of the recent serious disturbances in Plateau State and the suspension of the Governor and the State Assembly by President Obasanjo.
On 18 May 2004, the Irish Presidency launched the first EU-Nigeria political dialogue at ministerial level. My colleague, Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, represented the Presidency and led an EU Troika. At the meeting, the Minister of State, Deputy Kitt, and the Nigerian Foreign Minister, Mr Olu Adeniji condemned the recent outbreak of violence in Plateau and Kano States, and noted that the Nigerian Government had taken measures to maintain the peace and prevent the further escalation of violence. The Troika meeting also addressed a range of other issues, including peace and security, governance and development matters.