Mary Henry (Independent)

Ethiopia is one of the priority countries for aid from Ireland and those of us who have visited it are proud of the progress that has been made. Some Members of this House were there as observers during the recent elections. Unfortunately, there have been disputes in many areas in regard to the results of those elections. Opposition members there have asked Members to protest about the number of prisoners, mainly members of the opposition, who are imprisoned in Ethiopia. Some 4,000 have been incarcerated without trial. There were initially 7,000 in prison but following protests, 3,000 were released.

It must be made known to Prime Minister Meles Zenawi that our support for his country is not unconditional and that we were dismayed by the display of violence in Addis Ababa and elsewhere which resulted in the death of 36 civilians and a member of the opposition. I hope the Seanad will protest in this regard and ask the Department of Foreign Affairs to let the Ethiopian Prime Minister know that our support depends on his protection of democracy. The important issue in this regard is not the concerns of citizens of this country about the aid going to Africa but rather the welfare and treatment of that country's citizens.