Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 July 2008
337 Deputy Charlie O’Connor asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the situation in Zimbabwe; if his attention has been drawn to the concern on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25884/08]
View answerThe situation in Zimbabwe is very grave and of the utmost concern to the Government and to the international community. This deep concern is strongly shared by members of the Oireachtas and by the Irish people.
I have made consistently clear our utter condemnation of the conditions under which last Friday's run-off election took place. The widespread state-sponsored violence and intimidation, which resulted in the deaths of close to one hundred MDC supporters and led to Morgan Tsvangirai's forced withdrawal, mean that Robert Mugabe's purported election victory cannot be regarded as in any way valid.
Following the re-inauguration of Mugabe as President on Sunday, the international community must continue to make clear that his position has not the slightest democratic legitimacy. The priority must be to find a peaceful way forward, through dialogue, that allows a legitimate government to be formed that reflects the will of the Zimbabwean people. Ireland fully supports the UN Security Council's call to this effect.
There is now a particular political and moral onus on African leaders, currently meeting at the African Union Summit, to take a decisive lead. In particular, the African Union needs to make clear that it does not accept this travesty of democracy and to show the necessary vigorous leadership to chart a negotiated way forward. I am encouraged by reports today from Sharm el-Sheikh that efforts to promote such a process are under way. This would represent a step in the right direction following yesterday's call by South Africa for talks between the Mugabe regime and the MDC. Any such negotiations would have to be credible, substantive and time-limited, and would need to be based on the outcome of the 29 March elections.
Ireland and the EU will continue to work closely with our African partners and with the UN and international community to develop the pressure for democratic change and for the relief of the suffering of the Zimbabwean people. In this regard, I would strongly support the imposition of further EU measures on those responsible for directing the recent political violence, and would also support UN sanctions as proposed by the United States, while avoiding any additional exacerbation of the dreadful economic situation which the long-suffering people of Zimbabwe have had to endure on a daily basis for far too long.
338 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the number of Irish citizens living in Zimbabwe; and the diplomatic and consular steps which have been put in place for an evacuation of Irish citizens from Zimbabwe should any of these persons wish to leave. [25917/08]
View answer339 Deputy Michael D. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the contingency arrangements in place, including discussions he may have had with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, on such issues as status and other aspects of citizenship, entitlement and social provision, as may arise following the evacuation of Irish citizens from Zimbabwe to Ireland. [25918/08]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 338 and 339 together.
The Government are and have for some considerable time been very concerned about the welfare of the Irish community in Zimbabwe.
In the last two years, the Irish Abroad Unit of the Department has supported two Irish community organisations in that country, the Mashonaland Irish Association and the Bulawayo Irish Association. This funding is provided for welfare and administrative needs.
In the same period, the Irish Abroad Unit has also provided funding to Safe Home Ltd, the voluntary organisation which supports elderly Irish emigrants who wish to return to Ireland. In this regard, Safe Home has housed a number of older Irish citizens who decided to leave Zimbabwe and return to Ireland due to their dire economic circumstances.
The Embassy in Pretoria, which is accredited to Zimbabwe, stays in on-going contact with the Irish community in that country. In addition, the Ambassador and staff from the Embassy visit Zimbabwe regularly and meet with members of the Irish community, including religious and representatives of Irish NGOs working in Zimbabwe.
There are in the region of 2,000 Irish citizens still resident in Zimbabwe and our current advice, as outlined on our website, strongly recommends Irish citizens there to keep a low profile, exercise a high degree of caution, monitor local media for developments and avoid all areas where demonstrations may be held, or where there are large gatherings of people. They should not travel unnecessarily, especially at night. Where possible, they should remain in built up areas and avoid the commercial centre of Harare.
They are also advised to register their details and those of their families with the Honorary Consul of Ireland in Harare, and also with the local British Embassy, with which we have a standing arrangement to assist in the provision of emergency consular assistance to Irish citizens. They should ensure that their travel documents are up to date and readily available in case they need to leave the country at short notice.
My Department's further advises all Irish Citizens resident there to regularly monitor travel advice issued by my Department.
All Irish citizens have the right of entry into this State. There is no particular need, therefore, to have specific discussions with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform other than to keep that Department generally informed of the overall situation.
Finally, I should emphasise that the Department is advising against all travel to Zimbabwe at the present time.
