Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister for allowing me to share time with him and the Whips for allowing the motion to be tabled and, in particular, AWEPA for allowing us to have a meeting on the issue of Zimbabwe about two weeks ago here in the Oireachtas which was attended by 20 members of the Dáil and Seanad and by lawyers and activists from Zimbabwe and Amnesty International. The whole purpose of the initiative was to raise awareness of Zimbabwe, the problems there and to explore ways in which we can contribute to its improvement. That we are taking an initiative such as this boosts the morale of those people who stand up for democracy and human rights in Zimbabwe. We were inspired to a certain extent by the view that although there is little enough we can contribute, that was not an excuse to do nothing. It was decided to try to put down an all-party motion on the subject. We are delighted to at least have this debate.

The sanctions applied against Zimbabwe in the past few years have not been effective. If their intention was to try to change the behaviour of the regime or change the regime itself, they have not been successful. We need to consider different ways of trying to improve the lot of the ordinary Zimbabwean.

The SADC initiative is welcome, as is the role of President Mbeki, but we must be cognisant of several issues. First, President Mbeki has tried in the past and has not succeeded. We must bear in mind that he has difficult domestic issues to consider that hamstring his efforts to mediate successfully between the opposition and the Zimbabwean Government. He has perhaps not been as stringent in applying the principles the ANC and his colleagues relied upon when they were seeking independence and freedom in the 1980s and before. We must also bear in mind that the Zimbabwean regime is on its best behaviour and looking for an economic package in the context of the mediation taking place and the forthcoming elections. All of these factors must be taken into account when assessing the effectiveness of the SADC initiative. Great pressure must be put on the South African Government, and Mr. Mbeki in particular, to make him a persuader on behalf of the principles to which the Minister referred, which helped found the Southern African Development Community and also the African Union.

The information we received at the meeting in Leinster House is that there is great concern that the outcome of the election is preordained. For example, I am told voter registration is already closed, which has resulted in serious problems. People must vote in the place from which they came — mostly rural areas — so the stronghold of the MDC in urban areas is effectively being diluted, which disenfranchises the opposition. It will be too late if we wait to monitor the election; this is the time to monitor what is happening. Hopefully, the election can be put back until the summer, which I believe is being discussed.

Another issue I would like the Minister to consider, although perhaps not at this time, is divestment, considering the role played by particular UK national banks in Zimbabwe. According to the International Crisis Group report published in September, Barclays Bank is providing a lifeline to the regime, investing $50 million in 2005 and lending large sums to the government on a concessionary basis. While this is not the right time to raise this issue, if changes are not effected through the SADC initiative, we must consider such measures. We must consider whether Irish pension funds are invested in Barclays Bank and whether this supports the regime.

Sanctions have not been effective because they have been limited. I am concerned for those who have the temerity to stand up for democracy and human rights at this time. When the election has passed in March, or whenever it takes place, it is they who will be the focus of the anger of the regime and there will be little to help them at that stage.

Other issues have been suggested by AWEPA, including that we try to encourage a UN human rights mission to Zimbabwe to assist in the pre-election process. We must take note that all humanitarian aid moneys must be exchanged at the Zimbabwe Reserve Bank for local currency at unrealistic rates, which itself is of direct benefit to the Zimbabwean Government. Irish Aid needs to reflect on this issue.

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