Noel Treacy (Galway East, Fianna Fail)

We may consider that important point, which has connotations for people who want to claim citizenship in this country. The embassy in South Africa has not received any approaches from the Bennett family to intervene on Mr. Bennett's behalf. Our ambassador in South Africa is visiting Zimbabwe this week and will raise Mr. Bennett's case, including with party colleagues of Mr. Bennett from the Movement for Democratic Change. We have also been active in urging EU ambassadors in Harare to monitor Mr. Bennett's case, with a view to the EU intervening on his behalf and on behalf of other members of the opposition in Zimbabwe who have been unfairly imprisoned. Mr. Bennett's treatment needs to be seen as part of an overall pattern of harassment, intimidation and violence which opposition politicians and supporters have faced in Zimbabwe for some years. The documented incidents of violence and intimidation directed against Mr. Bennett and his family are all too indicative of the repressive atmosphere which prevails in Zimbabwe. The human rights situation in Zimbabwe has deteriorated since EU sanctions, targeted against the ruling elite, were imposed in February 2003. These sanctions will, in the absence of any improvement, be renewed later this month for a further year. Mr. Bennett has now been nominated to stand again as a MDC candidate in the general election in Zimbabwe, which has been called for 31 March next. This election will represent an important watershed for Zimbabwe and for testing whether there is any real willingness on the part of the Mugabe Government to implement political reforms and work to improve the situation in Zimbabwe on democracy, human rights and respect for the rule of law. The Government also welcomes the fact that the MDC, despite the many obstacles which it faces, has now chosen to participate in these elections. The Southern Africa Development Community, of which Zimbabwe is a member, has recently adopted important guidelines on holding democratic elections. The Zimbabwean Government initially committed itself to comply with these guidelines but has thus far demonstrated little intent to introduce the necessary changes to guarantee a free and fair election. Our Government urges full compliance by Zimbabwe with these guidelines if there is to be any prospect of the elections taking place under internationally acceptable standards. Ireland also calls upon the members of SADC to use their influence with the Zimbabwean Government in this regard.

Along with our EU partners, Ireland will continue to press for removal of repressive legislation and greater respect for democracy, human rights and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. In the meantime, the Government will continue to follow closely the case of Mr. Bennett and other members of the opposition who have been unfairly imprisoned in Zimbabwe, in order to determine what effective intervention the EU might make on their behalf.