Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 June 2013
46. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update regarding to the most recent discussions at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council in relation to the need to advance peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30811/13]
View answerI welcome the recent progress in efforts to secure a durable solution to the crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In particular, I welcome the Peace, Security and Cooperation Framework Agreement for the DRC and the Region, which was concluded in Addis Ababa on 24 February, in the presence of the UN Secretary General. The adoption of the Agreement was welcomed on behalf of the EU in a joint statement by High Representative Catherine Ashton and Development Commissioner, Andris Piebalgs, calling on all parties to continue negotiating in good faith and to refrain from violence. The European Union will continue to pursue a strategic and comprehensive approach to the crisis in the region, working through political and diplomatic engagement, development cooperation programmes, and support for the United Nations peacekeeping operations. The EU is also pursuing security sector reform programmes, through the EU Common Security and Defence Policy missions in the DRC.
Ireland will also continue to play a constructive role. We are contributing a number of military observers to the UN Mission. So far in 2013, Ireland has provided €3.8 million in response to the humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This assistance is being channelled through the UN, international organisations, and our NGO partners.
We are also funding two high level events in support of mediation efforts with the involvement of the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary General for the Great Lakes region, former President Mary Robinson. These are focussed on encouraging the participation of women in the implementation of the region’s peace framework. We will continue to examine ways in which we can support the implementation by the signatories of the framework agreement.
