Eric Byrne (Dublin South Central, Labour) | Oireachtas source

The witnesses are most welcome. I apologise for not having read the briefing note. We were called into two meetings, one of which concerned an issue in Malawi and another concerned the delegation from Bahrain talking about human rights. I apologise for not being well briefed and if I put questions that may not be applicable.

What is the relationship between Europe and the African Union and the Arab League? The latter two are important international players in the field and at the heart of areas of substantial conflict.

We have had disturbing reports of how High Representative Ashton was handling Bosnia-Herzegovina, particularly Republika Srpska. There was an argument that matters were unfolding rather than getting better. In a nutshell, we can hit every area of conflict, excluding Palestine, Syria and Bahrain but we do not have time.

Perhaps Mr. Vimont would comment on the three issues of the agency's relationship with the African Union, the Arab League as players in the international field and on Bosnia and Herzegovina.