Written Answers. - UN Mission to Afghanistan.
Michael P. Kitt
Ceist:
36
Mr. M. Kitt
asked the
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he will support within the European Union the efforts of the UN special mission in Afghanistan, in particular to allow the free passage and distribution of humanitarian aid to its civil population; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[11108/96]
The United Nations Special Mission to Afghanistan resumed its activities on 12 January 1996 when the Head of the Mission, Mr. Mahmoud Mestiri, arrived in the region with a renewed mandate from the UN General Assembly. At the 50th Session of the UN General Assembly in September 1995, the European Union pledged its full support for the efforts of the UN Special Mission with the aim of achieving a negotiated and comprehensive solution to the Afghan conflict.
In accordance with that mandate, Mr. Mestiri continued his efforts to facilitate national reconciliation and reconstruction in Afghanistan, in particular by ensuring the transfer of power through the urgent establishment of a fully representative and broad-based "authoritative council".
The Government, together with our partners in the EU, has monitored closely and supported the efforts of the UN Special Mission to Afghanistan. On 14 March 1996 the European Union issued a declaration which reaffirmed its full support for the Special Mission to seek a peaceful solution to the conflict in close co-operation with all parties involved in the conflict in Afghanistan.
So far this year, while most parts of Afghanistan have remained calm, there has been an increase in tension in and around the capital city of Kabul, with indiscriminate exchange of rocket and missile fire and an intensification of air attacks which have been reported almost daily. The Head of the UN Special Mission has made frequent appeals to the warring parties for the immediate cessation of hostilities and for unconditional recourse to a peaceful dialogue. These appeals have been reiterated by the UN Secretary General and the UN Security Council as, indeed, by the EU. In its declaration of 14 March 1996, the EU expressed concern at the continuing fighting in Afghanistan, especially the shelling and air attacks around Kabul and urged all the parties involved to end the hostilities immediately and to allow the free passage and distribution of humanitarian aid to the civil population.
Continuing hostilities have meant that millions in Afghanistan are struggling to survive. Efforts by the UN and NGOs have been directed towards strengthening stability by implementing plans and initiatives for rehabilitation and reconstruction at the district level without waiting for a permanent political solution.
In March 1996, in response to the worsening humanitarian situation in Kabul, the Irish Government disbursed a grant of £90,000 to the International Committee of the Red Cross for emergency relief programmes. The Government is also supporting the relief programmes of the only Irish NGO operating in Afghanistan, "Support for Afghan Further Education" SAFE. In 1994 a grant of £50,000 was allocated to SAFE for a sanitation and emergency waste clearance project in Jalabad city, the second largest city in the country.
In July 1995 the Government allocated a second grant of £70,000 for an emergency sanitation programme in Kabul in association with the World Food Programme and UN agencies. The Government is considering actively the provision of further support for this programme in 1996.
