John Gormley
Ceist:223 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the continued Moroccan occupation of Western Sahara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13651/03]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
The situation has not changed significantly since I answered a similar question in the House on 9 April, when I outlined our policy in relation to this issue. The Government continues to follow the situation closely. We continue to consider the UN settlement plan, which provides for the holding of a referendum to determine the future status of Western Sahara, as a reasonable basis for a just political solution to the conflict. We also welcome political negotiations on possible alter native proposals for a solution, though these must embrace the consent of all parties to the conflict.
On 19 May the United Nations Secretary General issued his latest report on the situation in Western Sahara. His report and recommendations are being examined by the Government.
Following on from this, the UN Security Council will discuss the issue during the week. It is expected to adopt a new resolution before the end of the month.
Question No. 224 answered with Question No. 217.
John Gormley
Ceist:225 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised the issue of the several hundred people who disappeared in the Republic of Congo since 1992 with the government of that country; if he has raised the failure of the UNHCR to protect returnees at the United Nations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13762/03]
The Republic of Congo, Brazzaville, suffered from three civil wars during the 1990s. Its Government's general amnesty for rebel groups and the subsequent ceasefire agreements reached with them facilitated the restoration of peace in that country. The Republic of Congo has now entered a period of relative stability. Presidential elections in 2002 were observed by an EU election observation mission which included two Irish observers. On 17 March a new ceasefire agreement was signed between the Government and Ninja rebels.
In 1999 the UNHCR signed a tripartite agreement with the Governments of the Republic of Congo and of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa, for the voluntary return of refugees to the former country. The UNHCR subsequently facilitated the return of thousands of refugees through logistical and humanitarian support for those who chose to return. The disappearance of 353 of these returnees is deeply disturbing and a matter for the Government of the Republic of Congo to urgently address. I am confident that the UNHCR did everything within its means to protect returning refugees.
The EU has committed itself to finding a lasting peace in the Republic of Congo by funding disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration initiatives. The European development fund is carefully examining ways it can help strengthen human rights processes in the country, including reform of the security sector. I support and endorse these efforts.