Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 2 Dec 1999

Vol. 512 No. 2

Written Answers. - Congo Conflict.

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

67 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's views on the continuing conflict in the Congo; the initiatives, if any, the Government is taking or supporting through the EU or the UN to secure an end to the conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25519/99]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Andrews)

The Government remains deeply concerned at the slow pace of implementation of the ceasefire agreement which was signed in Lusaka on 10 July by the Governments of the six countries involved in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo – Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Namibia, Rwanda, Uganda and Zimbabwe. The MLC – Movement for the Liberation of Congo – signed the ceasefire agreement on 1 August while a dispute within the RCD – Congolese Rally for Democracy – delayed its signature until 31 August.

Ireland, with its EU partners, considers that the Lusaka agreement offers the only realistic prospect of lasting peace and security in the Great Lakes region. We have underlined, with our partners, our readiness to provide full political, diplomatic and resource support for the implementation of the agreement provided that the parties show the necessary political will and implement the agreement. We have urged all parties to refrain from any declaration or action that could jeopardise the peace process.

The Government will be offering practical support to the implementation of the agreement through a financial contribution of £40,000 to the Joint Military Commission – JMC – and will also be supporting the agreement through an EU Council Decision on 15 November 1999 to contribute to the JMC.