Written answers

Wednesday, 14 December 2005

Department of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Conflicts

11:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 207: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the situation in Mozambique; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39604/05]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Following the end of the civil war in 1992 and the first democratic elections in 1994, Mozambique has become one of Africa's most successful examples of post-conflict reconstruction and development. Political stability has been underpinned by national reconstruction and relatively rapid economic growth. However, the transition is incomplete and residual mistrust remains between the ruling Frelimo and the opposition Renamo parties.

The third legislative and presidential elections took place in Mozambique in December 2004. President Chissano's term of office expired in 2004 and he did not stand for re-election. An EU election observation mission, including five Irish observers, observed the elections. The opposition party, Renamo, contested the results which saw Mr. Armando Guebuza of the governing Frelimo party take 64% of the vote. The National Election Commission dismissed these complaints and in January 2005 Mr. Guebuza was sworn in as the new President of Mozambique. The EU mission found that the elections had been broadly conducted along the lines of internationally accepted standards.

In early September, 12 people were killed and 50 injured in a clash between Frelimo and Renamo supporters over disputed municipal elections in the town of Mocimboa da Praia. While calm has been restored, this incident confirms the continued need for the international community to support the democratic process in Mozambique.

The problem of corruption in the public service, the police and the legal system is widespread. However, the new Government is actively addressing this and has recently established a new central office for combating corruption. Political dialogue between the EU and the new Government of Mozambique under Article 8 of the Cotonou Agreement maintains the high level of constructive co-operation and good relations enjoyed with the former government. The EU's firm and unified position regarding the transparent and correct conduct of the 2004 general elections is believed to have contributed to the Government's speedy move towards electoral reform, and a parliamentary commission is reviewing the four main electoral laws. The EU also remains in close contact with the Renamo opposition party. With our EU colleagues, Ireland will continue to monitor the situation in Mozambique.

Mozambique is one of Ireland's six ODA programme countries in Africa. Bilateral assistance began in 1996 and it is now one of our largest programmes. Approximately €28 million was spent in 2005 and €29 million is budgeted for 2006. In addition, funding will also be delivered through the Clinton Foundation, NGOs and UN agencies. Ireland helps Mozambique to reduce poverty through fostering economic growth, equitable social development and improved democratic governance. The programme focuses on the key sectors of health, governance, education and rural and provincial development. Since the HIV AIDS issue is of particular concern, Ireland, in partnership with the Clinton Foundation, is one of the biggest donors to Mozambique's health sector response to HIV AIDS.

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