Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

The Government is deeply worried about the ongoing situation in Zimbabwe. We believe that the democratic rights of the Zimbabwean people have been violated by the unacceptable failure to release presidential election results over a month after votes were cast. We condemn utterly the appalling violence and intimidation against opposition supporters and civil society activists in Zimbabwe, especially in rural areas. These indefensible attacks represent a catastrophe, not just for those subjected to horrific injuries, but also for the prospects of a secure environment required to finalise the electoral process.

EU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Zimbabwe at the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Luxembourg last Tuesday. They agreed that the failure to release the presidential election results was unacceptable and insisted that the results, when released, must reflect the will of the Zimbabwean people. They strongly urged an end to violence and human rights abuses. Ministers expressed support for efforts by the Southern African Development Community and the African Union, and indicated the EU's willingness to put further pressure on Zimbabwe if the situation does not improve. They noted that the EU does not sell arms to Zimbabwe, and urged a worldwide moratorium on such sales. Ireland is in full agreement with this approach.

The EU and Ireland continue to believe that the most effective strategy is to work closely with Zimbabwe's neighbours, who have the greatest potential influence on events on the ground, as well as with regional organisations and the UN. The Lusaka Summit of the Southern African Development Community on 12 and 13 April urged the quick release of election results in accordance with the law, with verification and counting being witnessed and authenticated by all parties in the election. The SADC further offered to continue observing the counting process, as well as any second round of voting which may be required. Improved international monitoring of any run-off election will be vital.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House.

The EU, including High Representative Solana, has been very active on the Zimbabwe issue, making contact with all of Zimbabwe's neighbours in the Southern African Development Community to express our concerns. Contact has also been made with key figures in the African Union. Development Commissioner Louis Michel attended the SADC summit in Mauritius on 19 and 20 April, and had a number of contacts with key regional leaders.

Ireland has also been active on a bilateral basis, using our network of contacts in the southern African region, especially with Irish Aid programme countries, to express our concerns directly. The Taoiseach had an opportunity to raise the issue directly with the Deputy President of South Africa in Dublin on 9 April while the ambassador and officers from our Irish Embassy in Pretoria continue to visit Zimbabwe on a regular basis.

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