Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

Arising from the Minister's reply, is he concerned about the approach taken by the South African Government, which is Zimbabwe's most important neighbour, not just in respect of this issue but even more recently in respect of a vote on Burma at the Security Council? Does this indicate an acceptance by South Africa that what is happening in Zimbabwe can be sheltered under the cloak of sovereignty? I can develop that into a more direct question. Does the concept of human rights protection not imply that sovereignty cannot be used as a veil to stand as an obstacle in the way of the vindication of human rights? What talks has the Minister had with the South African representatives? I note his reference to the recent statement by the US ambassador. I interpret that interview as the beginning of an horrific confrontation in Zimbabwe and not necessarily a beneficial one in so far as what is forthcoming from the Zimbabwean Government is further oppression. Will the Minister confirm whether the European Union has called for the release of all those detained, including the 50 persons detained following the rally? Has the EU explicitly asked for those who have been accused to have access to lawyers? Has it asked the Southern African Development Community, SADC, to take an initiative to ensure the rights of the people detained?

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