Vol. 503 No. 3
173 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the situation in Algeria; if he will be pressing to have international observers at the upcoming elections; and if this issue will be raised at the UN Commission for Human Rights in Geneva. [10515/99]
178 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, he took to ensure that international observers, in sufficient numbers, were present at the presidential elections held in Algeria on 15 April 1999. [9857/99]
179 Mr. G. Mitchell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he sent observers, or supported the sending of international observers, to the presidential elections held in Algeria on 15 April 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9946/99]
180 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations, if any, he made to ensure that international observers in sufficient numbers were present at the presidential elections held in Algeria on 15 April 1999. [9949/99]
181 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, he took to ensure that international observers, in sufficient numbers, were present at the presidential elections held in Algeria on the 15 April 1999. [10004/99]
182 Mrs. Barnes asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the request, if any, he had for observers for the Algerian presidential elections, having regard to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10010/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 173, 178, 179, 180, 181 and 182 together.
I have read with considerable dismay reports regarding the outcome of the presidential elections in Algeria last week. As the House may be aware, the six opposition candidates withdrew from the campaign in its final stages, leaving only one candidate who was duly elected.
Such an outcome can only be regarded as a serious setback to the whole process of democratising the Algerian political system. The result, instead of strengthening the legitimacy and credibility of the democratic institutions of Algeria, especially that of the presidency, can only serve to undermine them. Given the current extremely disturbed state of that country, this is a most worrying development.
I will be discussing with our European Union partners what steps, if any, the Union can take in the circumstances.
On the issue of international observers it is my understanding that the Algerian Government were not receptive to the presence of such observers. Clearly without the explicit approval of that Government, which would have to provide physical protection for the observers, the issue could not be pursued further.
The situation in Algeria was addressed by the European Union in its statement in the discussion on the agenda item dealing with the general situation of human rights at the current session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
