Barry Andrews
Question:158 Deputy Barry Andrews asked the Taoiseach the discussions that took place in South Africa with Mr. Thabo Mbeki on the issue of Zimbabwe. [3983/08]
View answerWednesday, 6 February 2008
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Written answers
I visited South Africa between from 13 to 15 January, 2008 accompanied by the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Micheál Martin T.D., and the Minister of State for Overseas Development, Michael Kitt T.D. While in Pretoria, I met with President Thabo Mbeki and the Deputy President, Mrs. Mlambo-Ngucka.
President Mbeki and I noted the positive bilateral relations between our two countries and discussed a range of political and trade and development issues.
President Mbeki briefed me on the current political situation in Zimbabwe, the prospects for successful elections there and his role as SADC mediator. We both expressed the wish for a peaceful solution to the crises facing Zimbabwe and for policy change which would ensure full respect for the human rights and dignity of its people.
I emphasised that Ireland and its EU partners are gravely concerned at the ongoing deterioration of the situation in Zimbabwe. The hardships and deprivation being experienced by ordinary Zimbabweans give added urgency to the effort being made by the Southern African Development Community to mediate between the parties; particularly in relation to ensuring free, fair and transparent elections in 2008.
Ireland's policy is clear; we wish to see a change in policies in Zimbabwe to tackle the suffering of the people there and ensure full respect for their rights and dignity.
I referred to the impending deployment of some 400 members of the Irish Army with the UN mandated EU military mission in Chad, and the fact that an Irishman, Lieutenant General Pat Nash, will lead that mission. I also expressed my personal appreciation to President Mbeki and the people of South Africa for their sensitive support for the peace process in Northern Ireland.