Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

I move:

That Dáil Éireann, concerned at the dire economic and humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe, the plight of many millions of people suffering from food shortages, the suppression of political activists and interference with freedom of the press:

welcomes the holding of the Second EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon and the EU Presidency's intention to ensure the current grave situation in Zimbabwe is appropriately raised and discussed at the summit;

calls on the Government to continue its efforts, including through the European Union, in support of the promotion of human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe;

welcomes the mediation effort being undertaken by President Mbeki of South Africa on behalf of the Southern Africa Development Community aimed at promoting political dialogue and agreement between the Government of Zimbabwe and the opposition parties in the future democratic governance of Zimbabwe, and encourages the member countries of SADC to continue to be persuaders for change in Zimbabwe and to ensure the maximum flow of information from the current mediation process;

emphasises the critical importance of a level playing field being established in order to guarantee the conduct of free, fair and democratic elections in Zimbabwe in 2008;

calls for full compliance by the Zimbabwean Government and parties with the SADC Guidelines on the Conduct of Democratic Elections and encourages the broadest possible international observation of any elections held in Zimbabwe in 2008; and

welcomes the continuing substantial direct assistance which Irish Aid is giving to the people of Zimbabwe, amounting to over €17 million in the past two years, and urges the Government to continue this support.

The Taoiseach takes the grave political, economic and human rights situation in Zimbabwe most seriously. Ordinary Zimbabweans are suffering desperately in a country racked by hyperinflation, which reached 8,000% in September, and with unemployment now estimated at 80%. In rural areas, the economic crisis and government mismanagement have compounded the effects of drought and many now depend on food aid. Hundreds of thousands of Zimbabweans, including much needed professionals, have emigrated to neighbouring countries. The deteriorating economic situation, worsening poverty and increased migration are in turn having an impact on those affected by the HIV-AIDs pandemic. Only today I have received a briefing paper from Trócaire which strongly underlines the gravity of the situation.

There are, unfortunately, no signs on the ground that the Zimbabwean Government is willing to change the destructive policies which have brought the country's economy to its knees. In addition to the economic hardships, there are continuing reports of brutal repression of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change, MDC, and other civil society groups perceived to be challenging the Zanu-PF ruling party. There is a pervasive atmosphere of intimidation and violence towards those who seek change in the country.

I wish to share time with Deputy Andrews.

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