Bernard J. Durkan
Question:154 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in regard to democracy and human rights in Mozambique; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30699/04]
View answerWednesday, 24 November 2004
Questions (154)
Written answers
Significant progress has been achieved in Mozambique over the past decade. The end of a long and brutal civil war and the establishment of a multi-party democracy have provided a strong basis for future political development. At the same time, the country's economy has experienced significant expansion. The current overall situation in the country remains stable and the general economic climate is positive, although the country continues to face many problems including war damage, underdevelopment and recurrent natural disasters.
The EU is a major development partner of Mozambique and pursues an active political dialogue with the Mozambican Government which includes encouraging increased respect for human rights, rule of law and good governance, and promoting national peace and reconciliation. The EU has also expressed its willingness to contribute to the development of the judicial system, with €10 million pledged over three years.
Mozambique's second municipal elections were held on 19 November 2003. The EU sent an election observation mission, EU-EOM, to oversee this election and reported many positive aspects. The atmosphere was generally calm, the legal framework adequate and there was a general equitable access to media for all sides. Improvements were suggested by the EU-EOM in a number of areas such as result tabulation and the transparency of the Comissao Nacional deEleicoes, CNEs, dealing with complaints.
Both presidential and legislative elections will take place in Mozambique on 1 and 2 December next. Ireland and the EU consider the 2004 presidential and legislative elections in Mozambique as important for the democratic development of that country. The EU is due to send an election observation mission for the duration of these elections, which will include four members from Ireland.
With a budget of €36 million in 2004, Mozambique is the largest of Development Co-operation Ireland's bilateral country programmes. The current country strategy paper, CSP, runs from 2004 to 2006. The programme has a broad reach and at present DCI is engaged in six areas: general budget support; education; health; HIV-AIDS; governance; and public sector reform. It also runs two area based programmes — in Niassa to the far north of the country and in Inhambane in the south. The Minister of State, Deputy Conor Lenihan, is due to visit Mozambique next month.
Question No. 155 answered with QuestionNo. 19.