Peter Power (Limerick East, Fianna Fail)

The Deputies make valid points. The 2005 elections were very unsatisfactory and the subsequent violence was disturbing. This year's parliamentary election is the fourth since the Derg was overthrown in 1991 and one hopes by now that democratic principles will be observed. For this reason, the EU is investing considerable effort in its observation mission and a number of highly trained observers are already on the ground. Only the best and most experienced observers are being deployed on this occasion and they have all attended three-day courses to make them aware of issues specific to Ethiopia.

On Deputy Creighton's question, I am not aware whether the high representative has taken an interest in the issue but, given the effort that the EU has invested in the mission, I imagine she will be kept fully apprised of developments. We will await the outcome of the election process and the results with great interest.

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