Written Answers. - Overseas Development Aid.
Michael Creed
Ceist:
106
Mr. Creed
asked the
Minister for Foreign Affairs
if, in view of the UN Report of April, 2001, he considers it appropriate for his Department to continue to provide foreign aid to the Government of Uganda; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[11976/02]
The report to which the Deputy refers is the interim report, published in April 2001, of the UN panel of experts on the illegal exploitation of resources in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC. The panel also tabled an addendum report last November which addressed the issue in greater detail and concluded that most of the parties to the conflict in the DRC, including Uganda, were involved in the exploitation of the resources of the DRC. The panel of experts also concluded that without a resolution of the broader conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the region, it would be highly unrealistic to expect an end to exploitation of the natural resources and other forms of wealth in the country. Ireland agrees with this view.
In the Security Council in December, Ireland stated that it is not prepared to see individuals, groups and states benefit from the resources of the DRC at the expense of the population of that country. We supported the panel looking at steps which the council might take to curb and control exploitation linked to the continuation of the conflict and for the panel to make detailed recommendations as to how existing international organisations and mechanisms could be used to control the exploitation. We also supported an extension of the mandate of the panel to allow it to investigate further and make concrete recommendations as to steps that might be taken to end exploitation.
I agree with the panel of experts that exploitation of resources in the DRC is one part of the problem which is inextricably linked to other serious issues in the region. I believe that imple mentation of the Lusaka Ceasefire Agreement offers the most viable solution to the conflict in the DRC and the end of the exploitation of the resources of that country for the benefit of parties other than the population of the DRC. For this reason, Ireland considers it essential that all foreign troops withdraw from the DRC, that the security concerns of neighbouring states, which contributed to the outbreak of the conflict, are resolved and that exploitation of resources, which fuels the conflict, end immediately. We have raised these issues directly with the Ugandan authorities and we will continue to work with them, and all the parties to the conflict, to implement fully the Lusaka ceasefire agreement and to bring about an end to exploitation linked to the conflict in the DRC.
Ireland will be participating in a Security Council mission to the region at the end of this month. This mission, in addition to supporting the peace process and discussing with the parties the means of speeding up withdrawal of foreign troops, will take every opportunity to express to the parties, including Uganda, its concerns over the illegal exploitation of the natural resources of the DRC and its link with the conflict.
The Government has maintained and developed a programme of bilateral development co-operation with Uganda since 1994. Since our programme began, we have concentrated our efforts and our resources towards assisting the poorest of the poor and have been committed, but certainly not uncritical, partners of the Ugandan Government as it has made significant strides, including reducing the percentage of its people in dire poverty from 55% of the population to 35% in the space of seven years. As in the case of our other priority countries, we work with the Government to improve levels of transparency and good governance, while ensuring that all funds disbursed by Ireland Aid are monitored, using the highest possible accounting standards.
Since the overthrow of the Obote regime in 1986, progress on all issues in the reconstruction and development of Uganda has been significantly advanced through active donor engagement. Since that time, Uganda has faced a daunting array of challenges including lawlessness, decentralisation, the reversal of spendthrift policies, economic and monetary reforms, press freedom, open presidential and parliamentary elections and the battle against HIV-AIDS. Ireland remains committed to continuing its aid partnership with Uganda but will not shy away from actively criticising policies which fall below internationally accepted standards. In this regard, I would like to draw attention to, and to strongly endorse, the section of the recently published report of the Ireland Aid review committee "Governance, Democracy and Human Rights" which recommends that all aspects of governance, democracy and human rights should continue to be an essential part of the dialogue between Ireland Aid and its partner governments. In par ticular, increased resources should be made available to support public sector reform and anti-corruption measures, to strengthen financial management systems and in general to promote better governance in partner countries. This report will guide the future direction and operation of Ireland Aid.
