Michael P. Kitt
Ceist:27 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the current position concerning a full oil embargo against the Nigerian Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2304/96]
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - EU Sanctions Against Nigeria.
Eric J. Byrne
Ceist:47 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the escalating human rights abuses in Nigeria; if his attention has further been drawn to the allegation that a company (details supplied) imported arms for use by the Nigerian security forces; the pressure, if any, he intends exerting at EU level to strengthen sanctions against Nigeria and in particular to impose an oil embargo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2407/96]
Robert Molloy
Ceist:50 Mr. Molloy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, taken in implementing the EU Foreign Ministers' decision of 20 November 1995, regarding sanctions on Nigeria. [2359/96]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 27, 47 and 50 together.
In the statement of the Government's position on the situation in Nigeria which I made to the House on 7 December, I expressed our grave concern at recent human rights abuses in that country. I also enumerated the EU sanctions against Nigeria which have been adopted with Ireland's strong support under the respective EU Common Positions of 20 November and 4 December 1995. To date, there has not been an infringement of the sanctions involving Ireland. As I unequivocally stated to the House on the previous occasion, we will continue to fulfil our commitments under the two common positions and monitor the situation in Nigeria. We will support those measures which will put political and economic pressure on the Nigerian regime to take specific steps towards an early transition to democracy and full respect for human rights and the rule of law.
In this context the Government continues to support the introduction of an oil embargo to help bring about meaningful reform in Nigeria. However, to be effective such an embargo would need international support. As oil imports to Ireland are predominantly from the North Sea a bilateral oil embargo, would have no real impact on Nigerian oil revenues. The Government, therefore, supports EU consultation with like-minded states on the adoption of this and other measures.
I am aware of the reported link between Shell Nigeria and the supply of arms to the Nigerian security forces which was recently discussed at the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. It seems highly inappropriate for an oil company to be involved in the supply of arms. It is the Government's view that multi-nationals should carefully consider the human rights' implications of their commercial decisions.
The EU Common Position of 4 December provides for review in the light of developments, including any further human rights abuses and actions against the Ogoni people. It is clear that further sanctions, including an oil embargo, may need to be considered. The Government will continue, with its EU partners, to keep the situation under close review.
I am aware the Minister is in favour of an oil embargo, but has the European Union addressed the matter bearing in mind that oil revenues are sustaining this regime in power? What is the position on the remaining Ogoni detainees whom, we understand, are facing a special military tribunal?
As I said in the House on 7 December, I argued in favour of an oil embargo at the General Affairs Council where I was supported by a number of my colleagues knowing, from Ireland's point of view, that I had more freedom to do so because we do not import any oil from Nigeria. Virtually all our oil is supplied from the North Sea. The majority, however, were not in favour at that time of either an assets freeze or oil embargo and other decisions were taken.
On the remaining Ogoni detainees, I understand the question of further hearings by tribunal is being reviewed by the Nigerian High Court. The implications of that are not clear. With our European Union partners, we will monitor developments and press for the presence of EU or other human rights monitors at any further hearings. We will also give strong support to any measures deemed necessary, including further sanctions for which we have already argued, to ensure full respect for human rights and international and legal norms.
The Minister mentioned the undesirability of Shell's involvement. What is the position on the payment of adequate compensation for the environmental damage done in the area reported at the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs? If there is a spillage, how soon does the company become involved in the cleaning up process?
From the point of view of the European Union, we would remind Shell of its international obligation to restore the environment to its former condition as quickly as possible and minimise the effects of any damage done. That is our position which is well known to the company.
Is it still the case that the Irish Ambassador and the Ambassadors of other member states have been withdrawn from Lagos and it is not intended to send them back until these matters have been resolved? Will the Minister express a view on the allegation that Shell has imported arms into Nigeria? The purpose is not clear, but it could hardly be described as worthy.
In keeping with the decision of most European Union capitals, our Ambassador designate returned to Nigeria on 12 January for consultations in response to the executions which have taken place. It is important from Ireland's point of view, as a member of the Troika, that we have somebody on the ground to take demarches, as necessary, and safeguard the interests of the Irish missionaries and others working in Nigeria.
Like most Members of the House, I am aware of the allegation that Shell Nigeria has been involved in the supply of the arms to the Nigerian security forces and intend to consult my European Union partners on the issue. We will consider further, in the light of any information available, whatever steps are necessary.
Last week the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs failed to secure an answer from the representative of Shell Nigeria on the royalties or moneys paid to prop up the murderous regime in Lagos. Will the Minister raise this matter at European Union level to bring further pressure to bear on the Nigerian Government? Highlighting the payment of this money will bring about the necessary changes.
The Government supports the view that multinational companies, such as Shell, should carefully consider the human rights implications of their commercial decisions. This matter will be discussed at the next meeting of the General Affairs Council where I will raise my voice along the lines the Deputy suggested. It may be possible for the European Union to take action in relation to Shell's activities.
(Laoghis-Offaly): Will the Minister arrange for his officials to supply him with a full account of the meeting to which Deputy Burke referred? He would find this most instructive in his dealings on these matters. The joint committee heard not alone from a representative of Shell, but also from a human rights lawyer who was active in the defence of Ken Saro-Wiwa. Will the Minister have representations made in the strongest possible terms to the Nigerian Government to protest at the harassment last weekend of the principal defence lawyer of Ken Saro-Wiwa? Will he redouble his efforts at European Union level to secure support for an oil embargo on Nigeria and to have pressure brought to bear on companies such as Shell the representative of which, in the opinion of most members of the joint committee, was most unconvincing in his presentation last week? When it suits it, it has nothing to do with the Nigerian Government, yet, as an organisation which is supplying a major portion of its revenue, it is in a position to do something.
I read some of the reports of the meeting of the Joint Committee for Foreign Affairs last week, but will make sure that I receive the full report. The question of whether there have been improvements or disimprovements in the activities of the Nigerian Government will be further discussed at the next meeting of the General Affairs Council where I will press again for oil sanctions. I have not seen any improvements since the matter was discussed in December — quite the contrary — but, as I said on 7 December, an oil embargo will not have any effect unless it is supported worldwide. This will require agreement at United Nations level by resolution.
On the question of harassment of the lawyer mentioned, this is a matter I have been considering and it may also be discussed at European Union level.
That disposes of questions for today.