Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 64: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the difficulties being placed in the way of the opposition in Zimbabwe to organise, the deteriorating economic situation affecting the ordinary people and the apparent unwillingness of neighbouring countries to express adequate concern at the breaches in human rights occurring in that country. [30880/07]

Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Zimbabwe officials the Irish ambassador accredited to Zimbabwe met in Harare in September 2007; the concerns outlined to these officials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29327/07]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 64 and 87 together.

The Government continues to be deeply concerned about the situation in Zimbabwe. The disastrous economic policies of that country's government have led to severe hardship for ordinary people. Those who seek democratic change in Zimbabwe are facing enormous obstacles. The efforts of opposition parties in Zimbabwe to organise are being hampered by the selective enforcement of harsh security laws, restrictive media laws and government efforts to politicise aid distribution and access to state services. The Zimbabwe Human Rights NGO Forum stated this month that politically motivated violence has increased throughout 2007. Opposition activists and supporters, including those from the Movement for Democratic Change, continue to be intimidated and harassed. International efforts must focus on pushing for a level playing field for the March 2008 elections to allow the people of Zimbabwe to decide who can best lead their country out of its economic and political crisis.

Ireland and the EU strongly believe that African leadership is the key to encouraging progress towards economic and political stability. We support the talks between the government and opposition in Zimbabwe which are being mediated by President Mbeki of South Africa under the mandate of the Southern African Development Community, SADC. Agreement has been reached on making certain constitutional changes and updating the electoral register. It is hoped that such changes can be made. When the EU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Zimbabwe in October, they agreed they might need to follow up the SADC initiative when it has been completed. At a meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 19 November last, it was agreed that President Mugabe will hear a tough and clear message on the EU's abhorrence of his policies if he travels to Lisbon for the EU-Africa Summit next month. The EU is ready to respond substantively to any positive change in Zimbabwe. It regularly raises its strong views on Zimbabwe's internal situation with that country's neighbours and with the SADC.

The Irish Embassy in Pretoria monitors allegations of human rights abuses in Zimbabwe on an ongoing basis. It raises issues of concern with the Zimbabwean authorities at every opportunity. During his visit to Harare in September 2007, the Irish ambassador and other EU heads of mission met the director for Europe and the Americas of the Zimbabwean Ministry for Foreign Affairs. Our strong views on the human rights situation in Zimbabwe and our concerns about poor governance in that county were restated at the meeting. The ambassador again outlined these concerns to the Zimbabwean ambassador to South Africa on 5 November. The Government, through Irish Aid, has provided assistance of €17.8 million to the people of Zimbabwe since the start of 2006 in partnership with NGOs, missionaries and UN agencies. These programmes have a direct and positive effect on the lives of thousands of unfortunate Zimbabwean citizens.

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Although there is very little time remaining, I will allow Deputies Higgins and Deasy to ask a couple of brief supplementary questions.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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The consequences of Britain's decision to walk away from its commitments under the Lancaster House Agreement, which are rarely highlighted, should be mentioned during the Lisbon Summit. Is the Minister of State disappointed that the leaders of the South African Government, which we all support, have stayed unacceptably silent for so long about the human rights breaches in Zimbabwe? Given that more that 75% of electoral abuses tend to take place during the registration process, would the Government be in favour of establishing an early process of observation of the Zimbabwean elections?

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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President Mugabe has indicated he will attend the EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon. I understand the British Prime Minister, Mr. Gordon Brown, has said he will not attend the summit if President Mugabe is there. What is the Government's stance on President Mugabe's attendance in Lisbon? If he shows up at the summit, will an official delegation from Ireland be in attendance?

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Deputy Higgins is right to argue that the silence of a neighbouring country, particularly a neighbour like South Africa that has significant influence in the region, is regrettable. The Deputy also suggested that EU member states which have some power in the region should use it.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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I also suggested that we should start to monitor the electoral process at an early stage.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I will mention that point to the Minister. While it has not been considered, it has significant merit. On Deputy Deasy's point, I do not think the merit of the forthcoming EU-Africa Summit should be assessed on the basis of the attendance of any given individual. It should go ahead regardless.

John Deasy (Waterford, Fine Gael)
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Therefore, I take it the Government will be represented.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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Yes. We will be represented at the summit because we appreciate its significance. Relations between Europe and Africa are not determined by the actions of an individual.