Vol. 476 No. 5
12 Mr. E. Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs the outcome of the European Union's most recent consideration of events in Nigeria; the plans, if any, the EU has to impose further sanctions against Nigeria, particularly an oil embargo, in view of the Nigerian regime's continuing refusal to respect human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7541/97]
The Government and our EU partners continue to have serious concerns about the human rights situation and the pace and manner of the transition to democratic rule in Nigeria. We have consistently expressed our serious concern to the Nigerian authorities about human rights violations in their country both bilaterally and with our European partners. The Government strongly supported the restrictive measures against Nigeria adopted by the EU in its Common Positions of 20 November and 4 December 1995. In addition, we have fully supported the subsequent retention of the Common Position measures, which were extended during the Irish Presidency for a further six months until 4 June next. Our continuing concerns about the human rights situation in Ogoniland and throughout Nigeria have been heightened by the charges of treason brought last week by the Nigerian authorities against Nobel prize winning author, Wole Soyinka, and 14 others. We are pursuing these concerns at the current session of the Commission on Human Rights which began in Geneva last week.
At the General Affairs Council which I chaired last July, it was agreed that the Union would continue to identify and examine further measures that could be taken against Nigeria and to keep developments in the country under close review in consultation with other interested countries and bodies. We have been actively engaged with the EU and other interested parties in this ongoing process of consultation and close review both as Presidency and now as a member of the Troika. In this context, the imposition of an oil embargo is one of the options which Ireland and a number of our partners would support.
The Government will continue to work, both bilaterally and with our European partners, for the early restoration of democracy and full respect for human rights and the rule of law in Nigeria.
I am aware of the Minister's views on the imposition of an oil embargo and I would like to know the EU view on this matter. What efforts have been made to assist the supporters of Ken Saro-Wiwa who are still in detention?
As I outlined to the Deputy on two or three previous occasions, Ireland and a number of EU partners favour an oil embargo. For an oil embargo to be effective, however, it would need to have global support. A unilateral EU oil embargo would not have a great impact as it would not include the major markets for Nigerian oil. We support the European Union consultations with other states on such an embargo.
In relation to the detention of supporters of Ken Saro-Wiwa, we have made numerous complaints to the Nigerian authorities, and will continue to do so, because the sooner the Nigerian government realises it is being isolated from the world because of its lack of human rights and lack of respect for democratic government, the better for everybody. We will keep pressure on the Nigerian government, as we have done for a number of years.
As a person who worked in Nigeria for a year, I wonder if the Minister is satisfied that the public is hearing the full extent of what is happening in Nigeria. Will he inform the House of any future delegations that may travel to Nigeria on an information gathering basis?
There has been a United Nations fact finding mission to Nigeria. We have constant reports from our Ambassador in Lagos. The Ambassador has regular meetings with the missionary community in Nigeria which would be a reliable source of information. I had the opportunity of meeting members of the family of Ken Saro-Wiwa when they visited Ireland and got first hand testimony of some of the difficulties and atrocities. We are probably getting the information that is available, which by and large is reliable, through the United Nations and other international organisations. I am not currently aware of plans for future visits but I will communicate with the Deputy in view of her own experience.
Reference has been made to the behaviour of the Nigerian government. Is the EU taking action in relation to the activities of Shell, which has been funding the operations of the Nigerian administration in Ogoniland? It is also alleged that Shell is funding the purchase of arms for the Nigerian administration and generals operating outside Nigeria. The activities of Shell in Nigeria leave a lot to be desired and should be condemned unreservedly.
The Government supports the view that multinationals such as Shell should carefully consider the human rights aspects of any business operations. There is also an onus on the Nigerian government and the state partners to do likewise. We made our view very clear in relation to that. I am not aware of any proposed action in relation to Shell. I am aware of a number of allegations regarding the supply of arms to the security forces in Nigeria. We are consulting with our EU partners on this issue and will, in the light of any additional information, take appropriate action.
