asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he intends to make financial assistance available to the 165,000 Saharoui refugees in South Algeria in response to a submission already made to his Department by a Polasario representative; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - South Algeria Refugees.
657.
The request made to my Department on 26 November by a representative of Polasario for a specific sum in aid for Saharoui refugees is being considered. I should point out that the relief operation for the people in question is being handled by among others the UN High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). This is one of the normal international channels through which the Government provide assistance for refugees. The Government make a substantial annual contribution to the UNHCR for its work in assisting refugees. In addition, at the International Conference on Assistance to Refugees in Africa held in Geneva in July this year the Government pledged IR£75,000 to UNHCR for its operations with refugees in Africa.
The human suffering arising from the conflict over the territory of Western Sahara is a matter of concern. It is to be hoped that a ceasefire can be brought about and that a referendum can then be held in which the people of Western Sahara could exercise their right to self-determination. The Government support efforts in this direction which have been made by the Organisation of African Unity. The Government hope that these efforts can be resumed despite the setback at the most recent OAU summit in Addis Ababa.