Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 15 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 1

Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.

Jim O'Keeffe

Ceist:

165 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the current situation in Zimbabwe; the number of Irish citizens resident there; whether any assessment has been carried out as to the extent to which they have been affected by the current situation; and the steps taken through the EU and UN to improve the situation. [25995/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The Government remains deeply concerned about the current situation in Zimbabwe. While the severe tension evident prior to the June 2000 elections has eased, the situation remains volatile. There were several outbreaks of violence during the past month and the further deterioration of Zimbabwe's economy continues to exacerbate existing social and political instability.

Our concern is accentuated by the knowledge that about 2,000 holders of Irish passports live in Zimbabwe. Our Ambassador in Pretoria, who is accredited to Zimbabwe, remains in constant contact with members of the Irish community there. Prior to the June elections, a representative of our Embassy was based in the capital, Harare, to liaise with Irish citizens and to observe the situa tion on the ground. Since then our Embassy has continued to monitor developments closely in consultation with the missions of our European Union partners in Harare.

With our EU partners, we have consistently called on the Government of Zimbabwe to put an end to the violence and intimidation, and to ensure full respect for democratic principles, human rights and the rule of law. We have urged the Government to establish a constructive dialogue with the opposition and have stressed the importance of guaranteeing all parties their democratic right to operate freely and without harassment. We believe that bipartisan co-operation and respect for democratic principles are essential if the serious economic and social difficulties facing the country are to be overcome. The Government will continue to support all peaceful efforts to resolve the present difficulties.

With regard to the issue of land reform, we have called on the authorities to respect the rule of law and to work for a just and equitable solution in accordance with the principles of the 1998 Land Reform Conference as soon as possible.