Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 May 2006
81 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised the concerns of the Government at the United Nations in respect of the misappropriation of moneys set aside for the rebuilding effort in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19557/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe allegations of the misappropriation of funds which were intended for reconstruction and for the provision of basic services in Iraq are very disturbing. I agree fully that it would be disgraceful if funds for the relief of the Iraqi people have been misused.
The allegations relate both to Iraqi funds controlled by the UN and to US funds. They refer primarily to the period of the Coalition Provisional Authority in 2003/2004. I know that some individuals and companies have already paid substantial fines following proceedings in US courts.
As I stated in reply to a Question on this matter on 4 April 2006, the Government has no independent information regarding the allegations. Nor has it any means of assessing accurately the basis of the allegations which have been made. Responsibility for investigating such allegations rests primarily with the United Nations Security Council, and with the International Advisory and Monitoring Board which it established to oversee and audit the use of funds paid into the Development Fund for Iraq. The Iraqi Government and the US Administration clearly also have their own responsibilities in this regard.
82 Mr. McCormack asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps the Government is taking in order to try to support peace moves in Darfur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19541/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra95 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position adopted by Ireland in respect of the recent resolution at the United Nations regarding the situation in Darfur, Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19580/06]
Amharc ar fhreagra228 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in Darfur; the extent to which international aid and support is achieving its objectives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20023/06]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 82, 95 and 228 together.
It is clear that only a political solution will provide a lasting resolution of the crisis in Darfur. In that regard, I welcomed the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement by the Government of Sudan and the Minni faction of the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) on 5 May and expressed the hope that it would be signed by the remaining rebel groups. The final Agreement was achieved through the concerted effort of a number of international actors including the current Chairman of the African Union (AU), President Dennis Sassou-Ngeusso of Congo-Brazzaville, President Obasanjo of Nigeria, the EU Special Representative Pekka Haavisto and US Deputy Secretary of State, Robert Zoellick. It is a matter of concern that neither the Abdelwahid faction of the SLA nor the Justice and Equality Movement chose to sign the Agreement. However, the AU has extended the deadline for signature of the Agreement until 31 May. Efforts are ongoing to secure further signatures before the new deadline. Elements within both non-signatory groups have already expressed their support for the Agreement. In a statement by its representative to the UN on 9 May, the Government of Sudan indicated its intention to fully implement the Agreement.
Ireland welcomed the robust conclusions adopted by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 15 May. The Council expressed its support for the Agreement, its implementation and for reconstruction and development in Darfur. The Council called on the parties to implement all their obligations urgently, commended the work of AMIS and reiterated its support for the transition of AMIS to a UN mission. The Council also stated that full normalisation of relations with Sudan depends on progress towards peace and democratisation throughout the country. The Government particularly welcomed the reference to improving access for humanitarian organisations, which was included at Ireland's initiative.
On 15 May, the African Union Peace and Security Council (AU PSC) met in Addis Ababa to endorse the Darfur Peace Agreement, and decided that its implementation should begin on 16 May. The meeting also decided that concrete steps should be taken to effect the transition of the AU Monitoring Mission in Sudan (AMIS) to a UN peacekeeping operation at the earliest possible moment.
On 16 May the UN Security Council voted unanimously in favour of resolution 1679 (2006) which, under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, mandated a joint technical assessment mission from the African Union and the UN to travel to Darfur within a week. The resolution requested UN Secretary General Annan to submit recommendations on the transition to the Security Council one week after the return of the mission.
The Government fully supports the decisions of the AU PSC and the UN Security Council as steps towards the achievement of a lasting resolution to the dire humanitarian and security situation in Darfur, which remains a matter of grave concern.
For its part, Ireland provided €6.38 million and €3.98 million to Darfur in 2004 and 2005 respectively. In April 2005, Ireland pledged a further €15 million for Sudan for 2005-2006. So far €14 million of this has been delivered. Further funding of €6 million to project activities in Sudan, including Darfur, in 2006 will be pledged at the pledging conference for Sudan due to take place in June. Ireland works closely with key humanitarian partners in Darfur including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and the Irish NGOs Concern, Goal and Trócaire. The situation remains very difficult and it is essential that all sides fully comply with the terms of the peace agreement and allow all necessary humanitarian aid to be delivered. I would particularly call upon the Sudanese Government to respect fully its obligations under international humanitarian law and remove immediately all obstacles to the delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need.
Funding of €1.5 million has also been provided to assist AMIS in the recruitment of humanitarian and human rights officers and to assist in the building of police stations so that protection may be provided to vulnerable populations, either in IDP camps or in their own villages. Three members of the Permanent Defence Forces are currently serving with AMIS and another officer served in 2004-5.
