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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 27 Nov 1996

Vol. 472 No. 2

Written Answers. - Human Rights Abuses in Algeria.

Ray Burke

Ceist:

102 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's and the EU's response to the report by Amnesty International which documents the extent of human rights abuses in Algeria; and the steps, if any, being taken to address the situation. [22851/96]

The Amnesty International report on the human rights situation in Algeria has highlighted the abuse of human rights in Algeria by both Government forces and armed militant groups.

The political and security situation in Algeria has long been of grave concern to the Government and to our partners in the European Union. The Union has repeatedly called on all sides to the conflict to cease all acts of violence in order to allow for peaceful dialogue and reconciliation. While acknowledging that it is for the people of Algeria themselves to resolve the current conflict on the basis of reconciliation, the Union has pointed out that respect for human rights is an obligation on all political forces and individuals in Algeria, and has indicated its support for initiatives aimed at encouraging dialogue between those who reject terrorism and violence.

Most recently, at the Third Commmttee of the UN General Assembly in New York, the Irish Presidency, in a statement on behalf of the European Union, drew attention to developments in Algeria. The Union condemned all acts of violence whatever the source, and renewed its call for the full respect for human rights. It made particular condemnation of repeated terrorist attacks, including murder and sexual violence, against the civilian population. The statement reiterated the Union's hope that stability and peace, a peaceful dialogue and free and fair elections will prevail in Algeria as the result of the democratic process begun with the Presidential elections held in November 1995.
The Euro-Mediterranean partnership between the EU and the 12 Mediterranean states, including Algeria, established by the Barcelona Declaration in November 1995, involves a commitment by its signatories to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and to guarantee the effective legitimate exercise of such rights and freedoms. The Union in the context of this strengthened association with Algeria has stressed the need to make the ongoing political process in that country as inclusive as possible. It has also emphasised the importance of maintaining respect for human rights, even in times of terrorist threats to security.
A referendum on constitutional change is to be held in Algeria on November 28. The new draft constitution states that the Government derives its authority from the people and for the first time guarantees the right to set up opposition parties. It prohibits religion, language, race or gender being used as the platform for a political party. The Algerian Government is committed to holding general elections in early 1997, to be followed by local elections.
Ireland, as Presidency of the EU, will continue in future contacts to raise the issue of human rights with the Algerian Government and will encourage it to continue to work towards developing the democratic process in the country.
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