Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6, 11, 12, 43, 49, 50 and 98 together.

I have already outlined in my earlier answer the Government's stance on Zimbabwe. I reiterate our grave concern about this issue and desire to support all efforts at achieving an outcome to the electoral process which fully accords with democratic principles.

Regarding the specific issue of election monitoring, Ireland welcomes the willingness expressed by the Southern African Development Community, SADC, at its Lusaka summit last month to provide monitors to observe the counting process until it is complete, as well as to observe any second round of voting which may be required. In addition to this SADC monitoring, Ireland would support additional credible international monitoring of the election process, to the extent this is possible. The consent of the Zimbabwean authorities, however, is necessary to make this practicable. The Irish Ambassador in Pretoria was in Harare for the electoral period, and continues to visit Zimbabwe very frequently. Indeed, I understand he is travelling there again today.

I note that SADC urged the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure that any second round of the presidential election which takes place must do so in a secure environment. Ireland and the EU have also insisted that there is a need for conditions to improve, including in respect of media freedom and freedom of assembly, and for an end to the climate of violence and repression before any second round of voting. The EU is encouraging a regional response to the Zimbabwe situation by its neighbours and there is a strong sense of shock and outrage in southern Africa at what has happened in Zimbabwe in the past month.

I was heartened, in particular, by the strong reaction in the region, including among many ordinary people, against the recent attempt to ship arms to Zimbabwe. After President Mwanawasa of Zambia, the current chair of the SADC, called on African leaders not to allow the weapons shipment to be delivered to Zimbabwe, the Chinese authorities announced on 24 April that they intended recalling the ship to China. It should never have left in the first place.

EU Foreign Ministers noted on 29 April that the EU does not supply or sell arms, related material or equipment which could be used for internal repression in Zimbabwe. They encouraged others to exercise similar restraint at this time by introducing a de facto moratorium on all such sales .

We must not overlook the dire humanitarian situation which continues to prevail and worsen in Zimbabwe. The EU and its member states remain the most important group of donors to Zimbabwe. Irish Aid support, which helps to alleviate the suffering of the Zimbabwean people, amounted to over €17 million in 2006 and 2007. It is expected that support in 2008 will reach at least €7.6 million. This funding is channelled through Irish and international non-governmental organisations, as well as through UN agencies. The Government fully supports any further action that can be taken in the UN framework to bring positive influence to bear on the situation in Zimbabwe. Ireland stands ready to respond appropriately to any positive change in Zimbabwe and to assist in an economic recovery programme for that tragic country.

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