Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
65
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the extent to which neighbouring countries are interfering in the internal affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo; if he will endeavour to bring positive influence on the situation through mobilisation of international opinion; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4036/02]
Ireland continues to monitor closely the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since my reply to the Deputy on this matter last November there have been no major political developments to report. The European Council in Laeken in December 2001 reaffirmed the EU's full support for the Lusaka and Arusha Agreements as the only tools capable of bringing the countries of the region to a lasting understanding and to true stabilisation. In that context, we appreciate the European Commission's undertaking to sign the National Indicative Programme for the DRC with a view to the resumption of the inter-Congolese dialogue. I believe that this sends a strong signal of the EU's commitment to the people of the DRC.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Security Council adopted Resolution 1376, 2001, in November which builds on previous Security Council resolutions and charts a way forward for the withdrawal of all foreign troops from the DRC and for the disarmament, demobilisation, repatriation, resettlement or reintegration of the negative forces operating in eastern DRC. The resolution acknowledges the progress made so far in implementing the Lusaka Agreement, including the fact that the ceasefire is generally holding, despite some infringements, and the fact that some foreign forces have withdrawn from the DRC, including all Namibian troops. The resolution states the Council's support for the launch ing of phase III of the deployment of MONUC, the UN Mission in the DRC. MONUC's task during phase III will be to assist in the voluntary disarmament of negative forces, including perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and Burundian rebels, and in the withdrawal of all foreign troops from the Congo. To this end the active cooperation of all parties will be required and the Resolution sets out the steps necessary, including the establishment of a direct, confidence-building dialogue between the governments of the DRC and Rwanda.
Ireland played an active role in the drafting of the three Security Council resolutions on the situation in the DRC adopted since we took our seat over a year ago, and we have sought to ensure that the DRC remains high on the Council's list of priorities. At the General Affairs Council in November 2001, my EU colleagues and I welcomed the adoption of the Resolution by the UN Security Council and endorsed the requests made to States which have still not begun to withdraw their forces from the DRC. We are seriously concerned about the support being given to the armed groups in the east of the DRC and about the human rights situation throughout the DRC territory.
We welcome the UN Security Council's decision to extend the mandate of the panel of experts for a further six months. The addendum to the panel of experts report on the exploitation of the natural resources and other forms of wealth of the DRC provides evidence of the ongoing exploitation by all sides in the conflict of the DRC's human and natural resources to finance their war efforts. While the exploitation of the DRC's resources did not cause the war, it undoubtedly has contributed to its continuation.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
66
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the extent to which he and his UN and EU colleagues are engaged in the situation in Ethiopia; the degree to which achievements have been made to date or are likely in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4037/02]
The Prime Minister of Ethiopia is currently on a visit to Ireland. I had the welcome opportunity yesterday to meet with Prime Minister Meles and Foreign Minister Seyoum for a broad and open discussion on the political situation in Ethiopia and on wider regional concerns.
The UN Security Council will send a mission to Addis Ababa, Asmara and the temporary security zone from 20 to 25 February. Ireland will participate in this mission, which aims to encourage confidence building measures and to promote reconciliation between Ethiopia and Eritrea, as well as to relay to the parties the monumental importance attached to their acceptance of the boundary commission's determination, which will be the ultimate measure of their commitment to the peace process. The boundary commission established under the Algiers Agreement has been presiding over the delimitation and demarcation of the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea. With the commission due to reach its decision at the end of this month, I welcomed the Ethiopian Government's reiteration that it will abide by the findings of the commission and I stressed the importance to the peace process that both sides fully respect the findings as committed to under the Algiers Agreement.
As regards the internal situation in Ethiopia we welcome Prime Minister Meles' statement to Parliament which called for a greater role for the opposition, a more constructive relationship with the press and a real devolution of power to the regions and lower level councils. The European Union has begun consultations with the Government of Ethiopia under Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement, which provides for general dialogue on specific issues. The discussions, which got off to a very good start in Addis Ababa on 28 January, centre on the improvement of democratic institutions, the reinforcement of democratic practices and the rule of law. We welcome the close interest displayed by the Government of Ethiopia, and by Prime Minister Meles personally, in the consultations.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
67
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.
[4038/02]
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
73
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the position regarding progress made by him 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.
[4044/02]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 73 together.
I refer the Deputy to my replies to his questions of 22 November 2001, in which I outlined my general position, and that of the EU, regarding the development and maintenance of stability in the western Balkans. Since 22 November, the General Affairs Council has met twice, on 10-11 December 2001 and on 28-29 January. On both occasions, the council, as is its normal practice, discussed the situation in the region.
Ireland continues to work with the various international organisations active in the western Balkans. In April 2001 Ambassador Antóin Mac Unfraidh was nominated to head the European Union monitor mission in former Yugoslavia and his mandate was extended recently to 31 December 2002. The secondment of civilian, Defence Forces and Garda personnel to the EUMM and OSCE missions in the Western Balkans continues, as does the secondment of Defence Forces personnel to Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo. Ireland continues to assist the region through its bilateral aid programme and through active participation in the stability pact for south-eastern Europe. In general terms, progress with regard to the establishment of democracy in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia and its constituent republic of Serbia has continued. Belgrade's relations with its neighbours, in particular Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina, would appear to have improved steadily in recent months. However, more work is required by all parties on all matters related to the return of refugees and displaced persons.
High Representative Solana has been to the fore over the past few months in encouraging and facilitating dialogue between Belgrade and Podgorica on the constitutional future of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. Both capitals have been reminded of the council's view that staying together in a fully functioning federal state is the fastest route to participation in European integration. However, should the current process 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. Ireland would be prepared to contribute observers to monitor a referendum, should one be called.
Ireland continues to support firmly the regional approach of the European Union in deepening cooperation with all the countries of the former Yugoslavia and providing solid foundations for increased prosperity and stability across the region. 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 structures. The council, in January, restated the Union's willingness to begin negotiations on a stabilisation and association agreement with Albania but noted that attention had been diverted from the necessary reforms essential to such agreements. The recent resignation of Albanian Prime Minister Meta could further delay the reform process and retard the opening of real dialogue with Albania.
I reiterate my view, which is shared by partners, that Kosovo remains a key factor for regional stability. I regret that, having conducted legislative elections in a peaceful and orderly fashion in November, the Kosovo Assembly has not yet elected a president. This is causing a delay in the establishment of provisional instruments of self-government and the transfer of authority from the UN mission in Kosovo to those institutions, as provided for in Security Council Resolution 1244. I welcome the recent indications from Belgrade that the 162 Kosovar Albanians held in Serb prisons will have their files examined and, by 31 March at the latest, political prisoners will be set free and common criminals will be sent, if they should so wish, to serve their sentence in prisons close to their place of origin. This is an issue which I raised with the Yugoslav For eign Minister in New York when we met in November and which my officials raised in various fora.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
68
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the extent to which he and his EU colleagues continue to monitor the situation in Macedonia; if he is satisfied with developments to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4039/02]
The situation in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia remains of concern in view of the importance of this country to the stability of the western Balkans. In this context, I would draw the Deputy's attention to my replies to his previous questions on the situation in FYROM on 16 October and 22 November last.
It remains imperative that all political parties in FYROM demonstrate their full commitment to the thorough and rapid implementation of the Ohrid framework agreement. In this context, the recent passage through the FYROM national parliament of the law on local self government is important. This law, which devolves power from the centre to local government, gives the minority Albanian community a role in governance and was an essential element of the Ohrid agreement. It had been hoped that agreement on the law could have been reached by early December 2001; when this agreement was not forthcoming, the international community decided to postpone an international donors' conference scheduled for 20 December. A rescheduled donors' conference has now been called for 12 March 2002. Indications are that all laws addressed in the Ohrid agreement should be passed by the end of May, which would pave the way for elections after that date. Earlier elections had been foreseen under the terms of the agreement. The expected laws on municipal boundaries and electoral districts, which depend on the results of a census, will have to wait, as the expected census has been postponed from April to October this year.
It will be important to maintain the momentum for peace in the coming months and for local leaders, in particular, to avoid provocation and intimidation. High Representative Solana passed on this message when he visited Skopje last month. In this context, it is noteworthy that the re-entry of police into ethnic Albanian areas has been progressing well, although slower than had been expected under the Ohrid agreement.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
69
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the position regarding developments in Mozambique; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4040/02]
Ireland continues to closely monitor the situation in Mozambique. Since my reply to the Deputy on this matter last November there have been no major political developments to report.
Ireland, with its European Union partners, has pledged to support the process of political and socio-economic transition in Mozambique. We continue to carefully monitor the political dialogue between the ruling Frelimo party and the opposition Renamo party.
The political situation in Mozambique remains stable. On the economic front, Mozambique has experienced significant growth in recent years. While flooding in the past two years has undermined economic progress, the economy experienced positive growth in 2001. Ireland welcomes the Government's efforts in resettling the population, resuming food production and basic services, and reconstructing basic infrastructures.
Mozambique is a priority country for Ireland Aid, and a total of €29.26 million has been allocated for the country programme for 2002.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
70
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
the extent to which he and the international community are monitoring the situation in Nigeria; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4041/02]
The Irish Government continues to closely monitor issues in Nigeria. We consider that the situation generally has improved since President Obasanjo came to power in May 1999. However, the introduction of Islamic Sharia law in a number of states in northern Nigeria in the course of the last two years has exacerbated ethnic and religious tensions there.
In January, there was a major fire at an army munitions dump in the commercial capital Lagos, which claimed the lives of several hundred people. Together with our EU partners, we send our condolences to the Government of Nigeria and to the victims of this tragedy.
We are concerned at the continuing sporadic outbreaks of ethnic tensions in Nigeria and the involvement of Nigerian troops. Any indiscriminate use of force by the military must be strongly discouraged by the Nigerian Government. In late December 2001, the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Chief Bola Ige was shot dead. We welcome the efforts of the Nigerian authorities to bring to justice the perpetrators of this crime.
With regard to the case of the woman sentenced to death by stoning, the Government has made known its very deep concern to the Federal Government. The punishment is currently being appealed to the Sokoto State Supreme Court and a ruling is expected in March. We urge the Nigerian Government to respond positively to the international concerns about this case and to comply with their international human rights obligations.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
71
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 is satisfied that adequate procedures exist to protect democracy and freedom; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4042/02]
Ireland continues to closely monitor the situation in Rwanda. Since my reply to the Deputy on this matter last November there have been no major political developments to report.
The internal security situation in Rwanda remains relatively calm. The new Government of National Unity has a term of four years until 2003, when elections are due to be held.
Last November, the EU General Affairs Council adopted a new Common Position on Rwanda which aims to encourage and support national reconciliation and the transition to democracy. Efforts are being made to gradually rebuild the country's justice system which was almost completely destroyed in the 1994 genocide. 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. Gacaca courts are also being set up to try genocide suspects who are still being detained but who are not wanted by the ICTR. It is hoped that these courts will administer justice in an even-handed way that is fair both to defendants and to their victims.
We are 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.
Bernard J. Durkan
Ceist:
72
Mr. Durkan
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if he has taken initiatives at UN or EU level regarding the situation in Somalia; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[4043/02]
Ireland has taken a strong forward position on the political and humanitarian situation in Somalia during our year on the UN Security Council. We gave prominence to Somalia during our Presidency of the Security Council in October 2001 when we chaired the first full public debate on Somalia in 18 months. The public debate was very constructive and, as President of the Security Council, I had the honour of issuing a substantial statement on the situation in the country on behalf of Council members.
At the UN Security Council public meeting on Africa on 29 January which the Minister of State at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Deputy O'Donnell attended, we gave particular mention to Somalia and called on regional countries to work together to support peace in Somalia.
Ireland firmly believes the Arta process continues to be the most viable basis for peace and national reconciliation in Somalia, and we will continue to support it. Ireland is also a member of the International Partners Forum, IPF, which supports the regional Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, IGAD. We have indicated our support for IGAD's efforts to build peace and stability in Somalia, and see these efforts as complementary to the Arta process.
When I met the Prime Minister of Ethiopia yesterday I urged the Government of Ethiopia, as a frontline State, to use its influence on key parties in Somalia to attend the upcoming summit in Kenya which has been mandated by IGAD. It is crucial that the people of Somalia themselves determine the future of their country.
We are also conscious that the humanitarian situation in the country remains poor. Ten years without effective Government and poor climatic conditions have seriously undermined the ability of the people to provide for themselves adequately. As a consequence, Ireland contributed more than €1.2 million in humanitarian assistance in 2001 to meet the humanitarian needs of the most vulnerable groups in Somalia.
Question No. 73 answered with Question No. 67.
Question No. 74 answered with Question No. 25.
