David Stanton
Ceist:88 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the current political situation in Algeria; and if his Department has been active on the question of human rights abuses in Algeria. [26787/03]
Written Answers. - Human Rights Issues.
The internal security situation in Algeria remains extremely volatile. Presidential elections are scheduled to take place in April 2004, and political tensions are already increasing in the run-up to these elections. We and our EU partners are continuing our dialogue with Algeria and encouraging the Algerian Government to take further measures for the strengthening of democracy and respect for human rights. We will continue to impress upon this Government the importance of implementing these necessary reforms.
The Government believes that the human rights dialogue between the EU and Algeria will be enhanced by the EU-Algeria Association Agreement under the Euro-Mediterranean partnership. In particular, Article 2 of the agreement states that respect for democratic principles and fundamental human rights, as set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, will guide the internal and international policies of the parties and will constitute an essential element of the agreement. The agreement also commits Algeria to develop the rule of law and democracy, including the upholding of fundamental freedoms. Ireland expects to see these commitments implemented fully in practice.
At international fora such as the UN Commission on Human Rights, we and our EU partners have urged the Algerian Government to take concrete measures to improve the human rights situation in the country. We also urged it to respond positively to the requests for visits by the UN special rapporteur on torture and the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions.
We attach particular importance to human rights issues in our bilateral relations with Algeria. We have urged the Algerian authorities to establish independent mechanisms for the investigation of human rights violations and to bring those responsible to justice.
Question No. 89 answered with Question No. 31.