Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 76: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the position in Afghanistan, particularly the security situation in the nation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26864/05]

Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 112: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the political, humanitarian and security situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26872/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 76 and 112 together.

The security situation in Afghanistan remains a matter of serious concern. Up to six people were killed on Tuesday last when a bomb exploded at a key border crossing between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Some 31 suspected Taliban militants and four government troops were reported killed last weekend during fighting near the Pakistani border. On 28 September 2005, at least 12 people were killed and 36 others injured outside an army base in Kabul in what is believed to have been a suicide bombing. This followed other recent suicide bombings.

However, the successful holding of provincial and parliamentary elections on 18 September was a very positive development that was welcomed by the EU. The EU statement noted that the Afghan people had shown once again their clear support for a democratic future. It saluted the courage of the thousands of people who had put themselves forward as candidates, despite intimidation and threats to their lives, and of the millions of Afghans who had exercised their freedom to vote. The statement added that the turnout and generally peaceful nature of the elections were a testament to the determination of the Afghan people to see their country succeed.

These elections, following on from last year's presidential elections, are a very important milestone on Afghanistan's journey towards democracy. The elections presented a significant logistical, security and political challenge and the initial indications are that the polling was generally conducted peacefully and that the elections were well organised and fair. The participation of large numbers of female candidates and voters was especially positive. Counting of ballots is in progress at the 32 counting centres and partial results are expected soon.

The joint electoral management body, JEMB, an independent body set up to administer and oversee the electoral process during Afghanistan's transition period, issued an election day report on 26 September. This indicated that while irregularities certainly occurred, as is inevitable in a post-conflict situation, there was so far nothing to suggest a systematic problem or orchestrated attempt to defraud the electoral process.

The EU provided significant support to the electoral process, including financial assistance and the contribution of the largest international election observation mission, headed by Ms Emma Bonino. Ireland funded the participation of an Irish observer in the EU mission. Seven members of the Irish Defence Forces have also been taking part in the UN mandated international security assistance force in Afghanistan.

A key element in restoring stability and security to Afghanistan is the disarmament and demobilisation of irregular militia forces. Since I last updated the Dáil on 2 June 2005 on the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration process, the disarmament and demobilisation components of the process have been completed. Of the almost 63,000 former combatants who have handed in their weapons, 60,646 have entered or completed the reintegration phase in preparation for a new civilian life. Large numbers of weapons and considerable amounts of ammunition also have been collected and secured in guarded compounds.

Ireland has been providing development and humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan both prior to and following the events of 11 September 2001. Since January 2000, Ireland has allocated more than €28 million in funding for programmes in Afghanistan. This aid is channelled through UN and international agencies and partner NGOs working to deliver services locally. A core focus of Ireland's support is to assist the Afghan Government and Afghan civil society to meet the priority objectives set out in the national development framework, NDF, for Afghanistan.

Afghanistan clearly still faces many challenges in the period ahead and will continue to need the support of the international community. Ireland, together with our partners in the European Union, remains committed to a democratic Afghanistan and we look forward to working with the new parliament to ensure peace and prosperity in the country.

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the current political and security situation in Iraq; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26869/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Developments in Iraq this year to date have been characterised by significant progress on the political front but against a background of continuing large scale violence and loss of life.

Following the democratic elections on 30 January, the new transitional Iraqi Government under Prime Minister Ibrahim Al-Jafaari was formed at the beginning of May. It included representatives of all the major groups in the assembly, including six Sunni ministers. A lengthy negotiating process in the assembly throughout the summer resulted in the adoption of a draft constitution at the end of August. This has been endorsed by the representatives of the Shia and Kurdish communities but has not yet been approved by any of the parties representing the Sunni community. In accordance with the political process mapped out in UN Security Council Resolution 1546, the new constitution will be put to the people in a referendum on 15 October.

The UN has reported that preparations for the referendum, which are being overseen by the independent electoral commission of Iraq, are now largely complete. The Deputy will be aware of the concerns which were expressed by the UN following the adoption by the transitional national assembly on 2 October of a resolution regarding the referendum law. I welcome the decision by the assembly yesterday to withdraw the resolution. I believe it is important for the credibility of the constitutional referendum that it is based on an electoral framework which meets international standards.

If the referendum is approved, new elections will be held in December for a fully sovereign assembly and government. Winning the support or consent of the Sunni community for the new political structures in Iraq remains an important priority, not least in the interest of bringing an end to the current campaign of violence. Nonetheless, I believe it is important that we recognise that the political developments of recent months represent significant political progress. Political leaders in Iraq are to be congratulated on their courage and their commitment to a democratic future for their country. I hope that all Iraqi citizens will engage in the political process and exercise their vote in the referendum this month.

Against this background of progress, however, the security situation continues to give rise to serious concern. Large-scale violence continues across a significant area of central Iraq. In recent months there has been a sustained and lethal campaign directed at the Shia and Kurdish populations. The Government and its partners in the EU have strongly condemned these attacks, which have included a series of suicide and car bomb attacks aimed at innocent people in the vicinity of markets, mosques and police stations. The aim of the attacks seems to be to cause maximum loss of life and to create chaos by dividing the communities in Iraq.

The continuing violence is severely hampering the efforts of the Iraqi Government to rebuild its society and economy following three major conflicts, a decade of international isolation and almost three decades of brutal dictatorship. The EU will continue to support the Iraqi government in its efforts, including through significant support for reconstruction, training in Europe for police and criminal justice system officers, and expert support for the political process. The Government and its partners in the EU remain determined to help the people of Iraq as they work to build a democratic, prosperous and peaceful society, based on respect for human rights and the rule of law.