Donal Carey
Ceist:21 Mr. D. Carey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on ongoing developments in the Great Lakes district. [8871/99]
Written Answers. - African Conflicts.
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:26 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, being taken to secure an end to the civil war in the Congo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8944/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 21 and 26 together.
The Government is extremely concerned about the continuing crisis in the Great Lakes Region of Africa, particularly the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The incremental progress which had been made, with strong support from Ireland and other international donors, towards putting aside the legacy of the 1994 ethnic violence and genocide is under renewed threat.
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is having a severe impact on the civilian population through displacement, hunger and continued killings and other human rights violations. It also has grave regional implications due to the involvement of neighbouring States who are providing military support to the protagonists. The priority of the Government, our EU partners and other members of the international community is to bring about a freezing of the current conflict with an immediate cease-fire as a precursor to a negotiated settlement. This should include agreed mechanisms for the withdrawal of outside military interests and for monitoring the peace to the satisfaction of all parties. The UN Secretary General has asked the UN Security Council to prepare for a possible international presence to support a peaceful settlement. Within the Democratic Republic of Congo it will be necessary to establish an all-inclusive political dialogue so that meaningful democratic transition can take place with full regard for human rights and the rule of law. At the same time, the security and ethnic concerns of neighbouring countries will have to met. The Government strongly supports the ongoing regional peace efforts of President Chiluba of Zambia, who recently met President Kabila in Ndola, and other members of the Southern African Development Community.
Early this month, the EU Special Envoy, Mr. Ajello completed a mission to Burundi in support of the Arusha peace talks which are being facilitated by former President Nyerere of Tanzania and in support of which Ireland has provided and funded one working expert. The fourth round of the current talks took place in Arusha in January and was followed by the lifting of regional economic sanctions which had been imposed on Burundi in 1996. Meetings of the thematic committees, which are a further element of the Arusha talks process, were held on 8 to 16 March. The EU has noted the stated resolve of the Government of Burundi to bring the current negotiations to a successful conclusion in 1999 and has encouraged all parties to contribute constructively to this goal. The Union and individual partners, including Ireland, will continue to support the Arusha peace process both politically and through our substantial technical and financial contributions. We have also called on both sides to end their acts of violence against the civilian population immediately. At this months 55th Session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva, the Government will urge the Burundi authorities to respond to the concerns of the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Burundi.
The EU regularly reviews developments in Rwanda under the relevant provisions of its common position adopted in March 1998. This evaluation at present includes the development of civil society, the review of new democratic structures at local level, preparations for local elections, judicial and human rights reform, the processing of the thousands in detention since the 1994 genocide and the impact on Rwanda of the conflict in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo. In addition, there are security problems in the north-west of the country due to attacks by guerilla groups. Responses by the security forces have been criticised for their excessive impact on the innocent civilian population. The EU Special Envoy, Mr. Ajello is actively working to create the necessary conditions, at both national and regional level, for lasting stability in Rwanda.
The Government will continue to support efforts aimed at bringing about lasting peace and stability in the Great Lakes Region and at normalising the lives of its vulnerable people. The EU Special Envoy to the Great Lakes Region, Mr. Aldo Ajello, is actively pursuing these objectives on the Unions behalf through his direct contacts with the UN, the Organisation of African Unity, regional leaders and other key figures. The EU continues to support the holding, at an appropriate time, of an international conference on peace, security and development in the Great Lakes Region as a means of ensuring lasting stability in the region.