Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:99 Mr. O'Dowd asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's position on the current situation in Ethiopia. [9938/03]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
Since Ethiopia and Eritrea signed the Algiers Agreement in December 2000, considerable progress has been achieved in the peace process between the two countries. In April 2002, the Boundary Commission, established by the two parties, ruled on the delimitation of the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea. Both sides have expressed satisfaction with the decision of the commission and have undertaken to accept the decision as final and binding. The next stage of implementation of the Algiers Agreement will be the physical demarcation of the border, which is expected to begin shortly. We have reminded both parties that the ruling of the Boundary Commission is final and binding, and we have impressed upon them the need to co-operate fully with the Boundary Commission for the expeditious demarcation of the border.
In addition to Ireland Aid's programme with Ethiopia, Ireland has contributed $50,000 in funding to the Boundary Commission. In July 2002, my Department contributed €200,000 to quick impact projects organised by the United Nations peacekeeping force on the border between Ethiopia and Eritrea, UNMEE. There are over 200 Irish troops serving with UNMEE.
As regards the wider humanitarian situation, it is clear that if we are to break the cyclical nature of food insecurity in Ethiopia, the underlying structural problems affecting poverty and stability must be addressed. Ireland Aid continues to deliver long-term development support to Ethiopia, focusing in particular on poverty reduction. It is estimated that in 2003, such long-term sup port for Ethiopia will exceed €27 million. The Government receives regular updates on the situation in Ethiopia and stands prepared to deliver further appropriate assistance over the coming months.
Paul Connaughton
Ceist:100 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's position on the current situation in the Lebanon. [9983/03]
The situation in Lebanon is marked by economic uncertainty, including a serious fiscal deficit. On the other hand, the situation is politically relatively stable, with the main organs of the state functioning with reasonable efficiency. In South Lebanon, there is a degree of tension on the border with Israel due to the regional security situation. Israeli aircraft, for instance, make regular illegal over-flights through Lebanese airspace.
Israel continues to occupy the area known as the Shabaa Farms in the Northern Golan. Lebanon claims that this territory is Lebanese, giving rise to continuing to tension. During the Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, the United Nations determined that this territory rightly belongs to Syria, with which Israel has yet to settle its differences. Ireland accepts the determination of the United Nations.
The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely.