Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 90: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the political situation in Liberia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7609/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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While Liberia has made remarkable progress since the comprehensive peace agreement of August 2003, it still faces the major challenges of a successful return to democracy and sustaining the peace process. Liberia is currently administered by a transitional government, under the chairmanship of Mr. Gyude Bryant, until parliamentary and presidential elections are held before the end of 2005.

The limited capacity of the transitional government to provide social services and consolidate state authority is an ongoing concern. Elections are scheduled for 11 October and voter registration will take place from during April and May. The cost of the elections is expected to amount to US$17.5 million and the EU has pledged €4.5 million in electoral support. This election will mark the return of Liberia to a constitutional democracy after 14 years of civil war.

Despite recent improvements in the security situation in UN controlled areas, the peace process remains fragile and many serious issues remain to be effectively addressed. The situation is generally stable in Monrovia but less so in other areas. Sporadic outbreaks of fighting in rebel strongholds highlight the need for a comprehensive process of disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration. The fragility of peace in Liberia became apparent at the end of October 2004 when a weekend of violence shook Monrovia in which 16 people were killed. In January, there were reports of some disturbances in the south-eastern part of the country, which are thought to be linked to rumoured ritual killings in the particular area. Renewed fighting in Cote d'Ivoire could also threaten stability in Liberia.

The United Nations mission in Liberia, UNMIL, was established on 19 September 2003 by UN Security Council Resolution 1509. The primary task of UNMIL is to observe and monitor implementation of the ceasefire agreement which was concluded by the Liberian parties in June 2003. More broadly, UNMIL's role is to support the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement of 18 August 2003. This includes facilitating the organisation of the October elections.

The Irish contingent comprises a motorised infantry battalion of some 430 personnel, together with a small number of additional personnel deployed at force headquarters and as military observers. The Government is of the view that the deployment of UNMIL is critically important in supporting the implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement and for the political and economic recovery of Liberia. Our personnel have been widely commended for the professionalism of their work.

The UNMIL programme of disarmament, demobilisation, rehabilitation and reintegration, DDRR, for rebel groups recommenced on 15 April 2004. Disarmament and demobilisation was concluded on 31 October. On 3 November all the armed groups were formally disbanded. According to the UN, almost 103,000 former combatants have been disarmed and 27,000 rifles, over 7 million rounds of ammunition and 29,830 rounds of heavy ammunition recovered. Collection of small numbers of weapons is continuing.

Due to the fact that the number of combatants disarmed greatly exceeded original estimates, the DDRR programme has encountered significant financial problems and an additional US$58 million is required for reintegration. Ireland contributed €500,000 in 2004 to support the DDRR process and we plan to provide additional funding in 2005. Since 85% of Liberians are unemployed, creation of employment and education opportunities for the ex-combatants is extremely important if stability is to be maintained in the country. Significant strides have also been made in restructuring and reforming Liberia's police force and the USA is providing material and technical support to restructure and reform the army.

President McAleese, accompanied by the Minister for Defence, Deputy O'Dea, visited Liberia on 14 December 2004 and met Chairman Bryant, United Nations special representative in Liberia, Mr. Jacques Klein, and the Irish battalion. Chairman Bryant visited Ireland in November 2004 and expressed his gratitude for the invaluable role that Ireland has played in Liberia. The Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces visited the Irish battalion in February.

In December 2004, the United Nations Security Council renewed its trade sanctions against Liberia, extending bans on timber exports and arms imports to the country for another year. The timber sanctions may be reviewed after six months. The ban on diamond exports was extended for six months but will be reviewed after three months, with a view to lifting this measure as soon as possible. The sanctions were originally imposed to stop ex-President Charles Taylor from using foreign earnings to fuel conflict in Liberia and the region in general. The European Union also renewed Article 96 measures against Liberia in December in line with the UN Security Council sanctions, as it was agreed that Liberia had not made enough progress in areas such as human rights, governance and the judicial system to warrant an easing of sanctions at this time.

At the Liberia reconstruction conference in New York in February 2004, Ireland pledged bilateral assistance of €5 million over two years. Over €2 million of this amount was disbursed in 2004 and the balance will be disbursed during 2005, with a continuing focus on humanitarian needs and the rehabilitation of key sectors such as education and health. Ireland will continue to encourage all parties in and around Liberia to carry out their commitments and obligations under the comprehensive peace agreement. We will lend active support to the work of the United Nations special representative in Liberia, Jacques Klein, and to the EU special representative for the region, Mr. Hans Dahlgren of Sweden.