Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I assure the Deputy that the South African Government and authorities are under no illusion about the strong views in Ireland, as recently articulated in special statements in the House. After that debate, in which the Deputy participated, we again contacted the Irish ambassador in South Africa to convey directly to the South African authorities our strong views on this matter. The countries with the greatest influence on Zimbabwe are regional states, notably South Africa. They bear the greatest responsibility to influence events in Zimbabwe to the good.

While the Government accepts that much more remains to be done, some progress has been evidenced, not least in respect of having observers present for the recent election and the posting of results outside election polling booths. These improvements helped to deter some elements of intimidation, although matters have since deteriorated and the position is unacceptable. I accept the prospect of free and fair elections is seriously undermined by developments in Zimbabwe.

The key point is that the collapse of the Zimbabwean economy has, to a certain extent, reduced the leverage that western European countries can exact on the Zimbabwean leader and authorities. We must work, through our partners in SADC and the African Union, to pursue the genuine issues the Deputy has raised and the Government's genuine concern that we move on.

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