Pádraig Mac Lochlainn (Donegal North East, Sinn Fein)

I have also been engaged in talks with the various parties to this conflict. I met Polisario on a number of occasions and also representatives of the Moroccan embassy. I had made contact with the Algerian embassy in London. It appears this conflict can be resolved with a bit of effort. It is difficult in that the Saharawi people clearly have a right to self-determination. Morocco, which presides over much of the land of Western Sahara, is a monarchy and is undergoing considerable reform at present. Many of the Moroccan people who live in the northern provinces have an affinity with and roots in Western Sahara. This region was devastated by colonialism historically by the French and Spanish who, like the British throughout the world, clearly divided and conquered and left behind a devastating legacy that lasts to the present day.

I appreciate the comments and commitments of the Minister of State on this matter. We should make whatever contribution we can based on our own departmental officials' experience of our peace process. I will be happy to give whatever humble assistance I can and engage with the various protagonists. In fairness to the Department of Foreign Affairs, it is much more eminently qualified than I am and has many more resources and contacts than I do. The conflict can be resolved with focused effort. We need to address the human rights concerns. I ask the Minister of State to utilise whatever resources are available to reach a conclusion.

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