Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:98 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation in Eritrea; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29431/01]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
It is almost a year since Eritrea and Ethiopia signed a comprehensive peace agreement in Algiers bringing an end to their border war. The Algiers agreement was the result of intensive negotiations under the auspices of the Organisation for African Unity, the United States and the European Union.
The international community strongly supports the agreement and is very active in monitoring its implementation. The United Nations has deployed a 4,200 strong UNMEE force, United Nations Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea, to monitor the ceasefire and to assist in ensuring the observance of the security commitments agreed by the parties – Security Council Resolution 1320 of 15 September 2000. Some 220 Irish soldiers will shortly be deployed to Asmara as part of this mission.
Since the implementation of the agreement, much progress has been achieved. With the exception of some isolated incidents, Ethiopia and Eritrea have complied with their commitment to keep the peace. Nevertheless, difficulties have arisen with regard to Eritrean co-operation on several issues. Eritrea does not officially recognise the existence of the temporary security zone – TSZ – and so will not give details of the numbers of militia there, nor is it willing to offer information on the redeployment of troops or to permit freedom of movement for the inspection of troop movements. There are an estimated 10,000 militia and police in the TSZ, which makes the work of UNMEE more difficult.
I raised these issues with Eritrean Foreign Minister Abdalla when I met him in New York last week. I urged the Eritrean Government to co-operate fully with UNMEE, particularly in relation to the movement of troops. I also voiced my strong disappointment at the expulsion of the Italian ambassador to Eritrea in September. Italy is the acting EU Presidency in Eritrea and the ambassador was expelled after he delivered an EU démarche expressing our deep concern at the arrest of reformers and growing restrictions on press freedom. Foreign Minister Abdalla assured me of Eritrea's ongoing commitment to reinforced relations with the EU. He stated that Eritrea was working to resolve the issue of the Italian ambassador's expulsion and hoped to move forward on this issue.
A further issue raised by Ireland at the meeting with Foreign Minister Abdalla was our concern about internal developments in the country, including the crackdown on the opposition and restrictions on the independent media. In addition, the General Affairs Council on 19 November adopted conclusions on Eritrea expressing the EU's deep concern about persistent infringe ments of the opposition's rights, curbs on press freedom and the lack of information on prominent figures who are being detained. The Council regretted that no solution had been found to the Italian ambassador's expulsion and emphasised the urgent need for Eritrea to engage in a dialogue with the EU to address our concerns regarding recent developments and the need for a firm timetable for the organisation of free and fair elections, the first since independence from Ethiopia.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:99 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation in East Timor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29432/01]
I chaired the public meeting of the Security Council on East Timor in New York on 31 October 2001 at which I listened to views from the UN Special Representative to East Timor, Sergio Viera de Mello, and Chief Minister Alkatiri about the progress that country has made in its transition towards independence.
In August, the first elections to a constituent assembly took place, marking a historic step in East Timor's transition to full independence to be declared on 20 May 2002. At that stage, the United Nations Transitional Administration of East Timor – UNTAET – will come to an end. The UN is committed to remaining engaged in post-independence East Timor to protect the major achievements so far realised by UNTAET, to build upon those achievements in co-operation with other actors and, most importantly, to assist the East Timorese people and Government in ensuring security and stability.
Following the public meeting of the UN Security Council, I issued a presidential statement outlining the UN's plans for a successor mission to UNTAET. This mission will be headed by a special representative of the Secretary General and will comprise a military component, a civilian police component and a civilian component, including experts who would provide crucial assistance to the emergent East Timorese administration.
While East Timor has experienced unprecedented success in its transition to date, the challenges facing the East Timorese people remain significant. Even with political progress, the country's economic prospects are such that it will be essential to maintain significant international aid flows to put it on a viable economic footing.
National reconciliation represents perhaps the country's most serious challenge. Years of intra-Timorese conflict, much accentuated by Indonesia's destabilising policies during the occupation, have depleted the nation in waiting of the social trust vital to building a cohesive society. A truth, reception and reconciliation commission has been established by the UN in an effort to facilitate the reintegration of East Timorese involved in the atrocities carried out by pro-Jakarta militia in 1999.
Much still remains to be done as East Timor moves forward in nation-building, with the drafting of a constitution, the formation of a Government and preparation for presidential elections. The Government remains committed to supporting East Timor throughout this important process, into independence and beyond. The evolution of the Ireland Aid programme in East Timor reflects this. The programme will grow from £1 million this year to £2.5 million next year.
Question No. 100 answered with Question No. 14.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:101 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the situation in Kosovo; the extent to which he has contributed or will contribute positively to the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29434/01]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:107 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding progress in bringing about stability in the area of the former Yugoslavia with particular reference to Serbia, Kosovo, Albania and Montenegro; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29440/01]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 107 together.
Stability in the western Balkans remains a high priority for Ireland and for our partners in the EU. The situation in the region is discussed at every meeting of the EU General Affairs Council. At the most recent meeting of the Council on 19 and 20 November discussions focused on the elections held in Kosovo on 17 November, relations between Serbia and Montenegro and the situation in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – FYROM. I have dealt with the situation in FYROM in reply to another question.
The progress achieved since the overthrow of Milosevic and the establishment of democracy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and its constituent republic of Serbia has allowed an intensification of the EU's relations with the region. Ireland firmly supports the regional approach of the European Union in deepening co-operation with all the countries of the former Yugoslavia and providing solid foundations for increased prosperity and stability in south east Europe as a whole. The stabilisation and association process – SAP – represents the best way forward in terms of the integration of the western Balkans countries into European structures while building regional co-operation.
Two meetings between the EU and the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia – FRY – have taken place with a view to opening negotiations on a stabilisation and association agreement, SAA, similar to those already signed with Croatia and FYROM. When I recently met the Yugoslav For eign Minister in New York, he stressed the importance of this process in the context of achieving internal institutional change, reform of the judiciary, human rights and the restructuring of the security forces.
Bilaterally, Ireland has contributed £318,000 to refugee assistance programmes in Serbia and Montenegro in 2001 as well as £884,000 in aid to Kosovo. Ireland is also an active participant in the stability pact for south eastern Europe through which we are funding a number of projects in the areas of local democracy, support for the media and refugee return.
Ireland, with our partners in the EU, is also working with Albania in the framework of the SAP. The EU is assisting Albania in preparing for SAA negotiations as soon as possible. Ireland also funds three personnel working with the OSCE mission to Albania.
Kosovo remains a key factor for regional stability. Ireland, along with our other EU partners, welcomed the peaceful and orderly way in which the legislative elections were conducted. These first Kosovo-wide elections mark an important step forward in the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 – 1999. At the last General Affairs Council, I joined my EU colleagues in calling for the newly elected Kosovars to carry out their functions in strict compliance with Resolution 1244 and with the constitutional framework for provisional self-government and urged the elected authorities to co-operate fully with UNMIK and the Belgrade authorities. The structured contacts laid out between the UN, Belgrade and the provisional institutions have the potential to be an effective instrument in addressing the legitimate concerns of minority communities, particularly in the area of security and refugee return.
Ireland chaired a public meeting on Kosovo during our presidency of the UN Security Council in October after which a presidential statement was issued which called on the Belgrade authorities to support participation of Kosovar Serbs in the vote. During my meeting with Minister Svilanovic, I welcomed the support which was subsequently given by the federal Government to Serb participation in the elections. I was particularly gratified by the actual level of participation by Serbs. Ireland contributed 29 polling station supervisors as well as one long-term and five short-term election observers to the elections.
The future of the constitutional relationship between Serbia and Montenegro was also discussed at the most recent General Affairs Council meeting. In the conclusions which followed the meeting, we took the opportunity to urge the Belgrade and Podgorica authorities to hold a democratic and constructive dialogue in order to reach agreement quickly on constitutional arrangements that are acceptable to all parties. We made clear our preference for a democratic Montenegro within a democratic FRY and stressed the importance of avoiding any unilateral action which might threaten the internal stability of the FRY and the surrounding area. It is vital to avoid new divisions in the Balkans and in this context the Secretary General's high representative was asked to visit Belgrade and Podgorica in order to reaffirm the position of the EU and to promote further dialogue. The Council strongly emphasised that, if the current process was to result in a referendum, this would have to be conducted in accordance with the democratic standards of a constitutional state and with the Montenegrin constitution.
Looking at the overall situation in the region, I am encouraged by the recent progress which has been made, particularly the peaceful elections in Kosovo and the decision of the FYROM Parliament to ratify the framework agreement. Ireland will continue to work with our partners in the EU, the UN, the OSCE and the stability pact for south east Europe to support the process of stability, development and reform in the region.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:102 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his European Union colleagues continue to monitor the situation in Macedonia; if he has satisfied himself with developments to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29435/01]
The situation in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia – FYROM – particularly in light of recent violence in the north of the country, remains a matter of concern in view of its potential impact on peace and stability in the region. In my reply to a question from Deputy Durkan on 16 October, I reported on actions already taken up to that time by the European Union in relation to the situation in FYROM.
I welcome the recent decision by the FYROM Parliament to ratify all of the constitutional changes set out in the Ohrid framework agreement of 13 August 2001. The vote on the constitutional amendments was also welcomed at the EU General Affairs Council on 19 November. These amendments guarantee minority rights for ethnic Albanians in FYROM and multi-ethnic representation in the state institutions. The ratification of the framework agreement is a major step towards achieving internal peace between the two ethnic communities in FYROM. The EU, at the same meeting of the GAC, announced that it is prepared to step up its efforts to bring about the rapprochement provided for in the stability and association agreement which FYROM has signed with the EU. The EU also recently announced an additional 12 million in emergency aid to FYROM.
I met the Foreign Minister of FYROM, Mrs. Ilenka Mitreva, in New York on 10 November and assured her that Ireland will continue to work in co-operation with international organisations and the EU to assist FYROM. I also took the opportunity to stress the importance of developing regional co-operation as well as the stabilisation and association process and co-oper ation with the EU. Minister Mitreva briefed me on developments in relation to the framework agreement and on efforts to restore government authority in all regions, in co-operation with the international monitors, and to create the conditions for the return of IDPs and refugees.
In order to ensure the return of government forces to former conflict zones, the rapid establishment of a multi-ethnic police force is crucial. In this regard, Ireland will be deploying five members of the Garda Síochána, one sergeant and four gardaí, to the OSCE police training mission in FYROM. Ireland has also deployed a number of additional personnel to the EU and OSCE monitoring teams.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:103 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding developments in Mozambique; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29436/01]
Significant progress has been achieved in Mozambique over the past decade. The end of the brutal civil war and the establishment of a multi-party democracy have provided a strong basis for future political development. At the same time, the country's economy has experienced significant expansion.
I am conscious that this political and economic progress remains fragile. Mozambique's economic performance is heavily dependent upon massive inflows of international assistance and considerable political tensions remain between Frelimo, the ruling party of President Chissano, and the opposition Renamo, led by Alfonso Dhlakama. The current political difficulties can be traced to the presidential and parliamentary elections of December 1999, which were disputed and challenged by Renamo. The supreme court ultimately ruled that the results were valid, a verdict also reached by international election observers.
These difficulties exacerbated long-standing political tensions and gave rise to several outbreaks of violence. The most serious incident occurred a year ago when at least 28 people were killed in clashes between police and Renamo supporters in northern and central parts of the country. Renamo continues to demand more political concessions from President Chissano in exchange for an agreement by Renamo to accept its opposition status. In recent months a series of negotiations aimed at ending the political tension have taken place between the President and Mr. Dhlakama. While some progress has been made at these talks they have so far failed to resolve all outstanding matters.
Along with its EU colleagues, Ireland condemned the violence which took place last November and the excesses which accompanied the demonstrations. The dialogue between the two main parties remains the only viable way of overcoming the present political difficulties. It is essential the considerable progress achieved since the end of the civil war is not jeopardised. In June this year, the EU decided to reinforce the ongoing political dialogue with Mozambique. At the time, EU heads of mission met with both Foreign Minister Simao and the President of Renamo, Mr. Dhlakama, to discuss the dialogue. The EU and Mozambique share many common values such as democracy, human rights and the rule of law, and so the dialogue focuses on contributing to a consolidated political process and political stability to reinforce democracy in the country, lead to an increased respect for human rights, rule of law and good governance, and to promote national peace and reconciliation.
Ireland recently participated in the 13th World Bank consultative meeting on Mozambique which took place on 25 and 26 October and concentrated on the host nation's development and financial requirements. The bank complimented the Government on its ongoing efforts to combat poverty, while at the same time highlighting the numerous difficult challenges that lie ahead. Ireland, along with other donors, welcomed the poverty reduction emphasis contained in the strategic paper passed by the Cabinet last April which articulates the Government's five year strategy for poverty reduction. Ireland also acknowledged the fact that Mozambique has reached the completion point for enhanced debt relief under the HIPC, heavily indebted poor countries, initiative as a significant achievement by the Government.
Mozambique is a priority country for Ireland Aid, and a total of 19.68 million has been allocated for the programme budget for 2001. This figure will rise to over 30 million for 2002. Ireland has also contributed over 1.27 million in emergency aid to meet the humanitarian needs caused by the extensive flooding in 2000 and 2001.
With its EU colleagues, Ireland will continue to monitor the situation in Mozambique closely and will make our concerns known where appropriate.
Question No. 104 answered with Question No. 37.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:105 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and the international community are monitoring the situation in Rwanda; if he has satisfied himself that adequate procedures exist to protect democracy and freedom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29438/01]
Despite the political turmoil of recent years, the internal security situation in Rwanda remains relatively calm. The Government of President Kagame has been making important efforts to rebuild the country in the aftermath of the horrific genocide of 1994. The new Government of national unity has a term of four years until 2003, when elections are due to be held.
The issue of the genocide is likely to continue to dominate the political agenda in Rwanda and efforts are being made to gradually rebuild the country's justice system which was almost completely destroyed in 1994. An International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda – ICTR – was set up in 1995 under UN Security Council Resolution 995 to try those most responsible for the genocide. Local courts, known as Gacaca, are also being set up to try genocide suspects who are still being detained, but who are not wanted by the ICTR, and community leaders are being trained to act as judges.
On 19 November 2001, the EU General Affairs Council adopted a new common position on Rwanda which aims to encourage, stimulate and support national reconciliation; reconstruction and development; the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental civil liberties; and the transition to democracy. The common position welcomes the establishment of the Gacaca courts, which should administer justice in an even-handed way which is fair both to defendants and to their victims. The Gacaca system should not include the death penalty as a punishment.
The EU is encouraged by the recent agreement between President Kagame and President Museveni of Uganda which aims to reduce sources of tension between the two countries and thereby contribute to regional stability.
The UN Security Council issued a démarche to President Kagame in July 2001 urging the Rwandan Government to live up to its commitments and obligations to comply with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1341 and withdraw its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC. The EU has expressed the hope that such a withdrawal will encourage all sides to take further steps to implement the Lusaka Agreement and bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict in the Great Lakes region.