Darragh O'Brien
Ceist:249. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the current situation in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49248/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 21 November 2017
Ceisteanna (249)
Freagraí scríofa
The situation in Zimbabwe continues to evolve, and my Department is monitoring the situation closely in cooperation with our EU partners and the EU Delegation in Harare. As things unfold, I urge the authorities to respect the fundamental rights of all citizens, and underline the need for all stakeholders to exercise restraint and ensure a peaceful resolution to this situation.
Over the weekend, there were very large, but peaceful, public demonstrations in Harare and Bulawayo, with the participation of perhaps 100,000 people, urging President Mugabe to step down. This was followed on Sunday by a special session of the Central Committee of the ruling ZANU-PF party, which formally removed President Mugabe from the position of party president and First Secretary. The party set a deadline of noon on Monday for his resignation as head of state of Zimbabwe. That deadline has now been missed. Signals are that an impeachment process will now begin. President Mugabe, for his part, has indicated that he will address a ZANU-PF party conference next month.
I strongly urge all relevant players to work towards an early and peaceful resolution to this situation, with a view to facilitating the return to civilian government. All those with influence in Zimbabwe should respect democratic and constitutional processes, as well as the rule of law.
My Department's primary concern is the safety and security of Irish citizens in Zimbabwe. The Irish Embassy in South Africa, which is accredited to Zimbabwe, is monitoring the situation closely, and is in close contact with the Irish Honorary Consul, the Irish Community in Zimbabwe and our EU partners on the ground.
The travel advice on my Department's website has been updated to encourage all Irish citizens in the country to remain indoors, to exercise caution, to avoid areas when demonstrations may take place, and to monitor the Department's travel advice regularly. The Irish Embassy in Pretoria is also providing updates on twitter and its website, and is in regular contact with the Irish Honorary Consul and the EU Delegation in Harare. It will continue to monitor the situation closely.