Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 6: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the measures agreed at the recent GAERC meeting in Luxembourg regarding the situation in Zimbabwe; if he has held talks with the South African Government or ambassador to find a credible solution to the electoral process in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16919/08]

Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 11: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will facilitate the presence of election observers at any future elections in Zimbabwe. [16845/08]

Noel Coonan (Tipperary North, Fine Gael)
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Question 12: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent discussions he has had with his European colleagues with respect to the situation in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16643/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 43: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the ongoing situation in Zimbabwe with particular reference to the need to encourage the democratic process and economic recovery through the aegis of the EU or UN; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16932/08]

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 49: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives the European Union proposes to take by way of dialogue or other means with the African Union, South Africa and other neighbouring states of Zimbabwe in order to avoid loss of life and civilian conflict in the wake of the recent elections; and his views on the recent report of Human Rights Watch in relation to suggested human rights abuses. [16828/08]

Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 50: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the significance of a shipment of arms originating in China being dispatched to Zimbabwe in circumstances where such arms could have led to loss of life and injury of civilians. [16829/08]

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 98: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the recent discussions he has had with his European colleagues with respect to the situation in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16663/08]

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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President Mbeki of South Africa led a SADC delegation to assist in drafting a new constitution for Zimbabwe, one of the components of which dealt with elections. It was provided that if there was not an outright winner within 21 days of an election, a run-off would be held. Does the Minister of State agree what happened in Zimbabwe is a complete sham? I welcome the decision of neighbouring countries to stand up to the importation of arms but countries in the national liberation movement such as Angola, Mozambique and Namibia, which have Governments that overthrew white rule, have knuckled down together and are giving tacit support to President Mugabe. Is it time for the Minister for Foreign Affairs to call in the South African ambassador to Ireland to tell him what is happening is not acceptable and South Africa and other countries in the region, with which Ireland has political influence, should move to have the election result announced immediately?

With respect to the observers, while not underestimating the ability of the election observers from the SADC community, does the Minister of State agree it is important that international observers are permitted? The Government should take up the cudgels at the UN General Assembly with a view to achieving greater agreement and stronger controls for the conduct of elections across the globe?

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The UN declaration on the principles of international election observation and the code of conduct of observers indicates an international election observation mission should only be organised when basic standards have been met, including that the host country issues an invitation or otherwise indicates willingness to accept such missions. There is a weakness in this.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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It needs to be strengthened.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The UN principle is that the observation mission is not imposed. I was an observer at one election but it is practically impossible for external observers to be present without agreement and support from the host government. This is the tragedy of the Zimbabwean scenario. That is why SADC should do good work. Given the tragic relationship between Europe and the African Continent, neighbouring countries could and should, if they have the will, be most useful in this regard.

SADC's observers have been excellent in some cases and there has been positive commentary on them. However, the situation is not acceptable and the EU should continue to bring every pressure and subtly — perhaps they should not be so subtle — to bear on Zimbabwe's neighbours in order that they realise what is happening is not acceptable. It is not a question of the Union imposing a view on Africa but we are concerned about the welfare of the people and democracy in the state.

Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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It is important in trying to unravel the atmosphere that stands at the back of the present position in Zimbabwe to recognise the Lancaster House dimension to it and that the decolonisation act was not fulfilled adequately by Britain. This is part of the explanation of the origin of violence but it is different from the violence for which President Mugabe is responsible. While the Minister of State is correct that UN membership is achieved by a sovereign act of joining the body, the most distinguished election observation missions are provided by, for example, the Carter Institute. The influence on election observation might be useful if the South African Government as a neighbour or SADC as an institution invited the Carter Institute or countries such as Ireland to provide observers. That would help.

The Minister may not agree but I am disappointed with South Africa's behaviour in the Zimbabwean electoral process, as I am with SADC's inadequate proposals on governance in southern Africa. The organisation has gone much further in developing a sophisticated economic model than in addressing governance issues, which are important. In the discussions with the South African Government and SADC member states and through the EU's relationship with SADC, can issues of governance be discussed beyond and including issues of election observation? Will observers be offered through the neighbouring countries or the regional institution?

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Deputy, as usual, has broadened the debate in a positive way. I agree the lack of proper governance is one of the tragedies in Africa. Unfortunately, the Continent is beset by corruption, tribalism and a lack of functioning institutions. Those dreadful conditions are interrelated and that, tragically, has been the case for the past 50 years. Colonial powers left an appalling legacy but we cannot continue to blame them for what happened subsequent to independence. I agree with the Deputy that neighbouring countries have a more vigorous role to play and the debate should move beyond issues of election observation. It should address how to construct a democracy and a public service that work. Africa and Zimbabwe, in particular, are not without resources. They have significant human resources and fine, natural resources and it is a tragedy they cannot be brought to bear. Democracy and the establishment of a set of institutions that work are necessary.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Minister of State correctly mentioned that one of the weaknesses of the UN policy on elections is members must request international observers. Zimbabwe has signed up to that policy on the conduct of elections. It is an issue because countries are concerned it may impinge on their sovereignty. Does the Minister of State agree Ireland can play a lead role in strengthening the policy? It has been in place since 1990 and more than 100 requests have been made by different countries. International assistance has been provided at elections on between 300 and 400 occasions. There should be confidence in these missions. For example, international observers were present during the 2004 presidential election in America. There is confidence in the system and Ireland could play a lead role at the UN General Assembly in strengthening that policy.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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International observers were present in Wicklow to keep an eye on the Deputy and me last year during the election campaign.

Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I did not want to mention that because reputations travel far and wide.

Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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If we insist on observation missions elsewhere, we should accept observers.

The situation is not entirely bleak. President Mwanawasa of Zambia displayed leadership on the issue of arms, which was a positive step forward. Previously that was not there. However, as both Deputies said, it would be very welcome if the neighbouring countries strengthened their activities. This issue also arises in the context of Burma, which we will address in later questions.