Vol. 470 No. 7
66 Mr. M. Kitt asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, taken at EU level to put pressure on the Nigerian regime for an early transition to democracy and full respect for human rights and the rule of law; the current position on an oil embargo against Nigeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20060/96]
I refer the Deputy to my written replies to Questions No. 135 of 15 October and No. 31 of 24 October in which I outlined the current steps being taken by the European Union in order to help bring about an early return to democratic rule and full respect for human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria. The EU General Affairs Council on 15-16 July 1996 stated, inter alia, its intention to continue its identification and examination of possible further measures in relation to Nigeria, and to do so with other interested countries and bodies. This exercise includes within its remit consideration of a possible oil embargo. As I confirmed in my earlier replies, the Irish Presidency is actively engaged with EU partners and other interested parties in this process.
