Shane McEntee (Meath, Fine Gael)
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Question 117: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political and security situation in India in view of the recent New Delhi-Lahore train bombing; the steps his Department has taken since the bombing to facilitate communication and improve relations between India and Pakistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10422/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Immediately after the bombing of the New Delhi-Lahore train on the night of 18/19 February, I made clear my utter condemnation of this terrorist act. I again extend my deepest sympathies to those affected by it. Although the attack occurred in India, it deeply affected both Pakistani and Indian communities. Since its resumption in 2004, the New Delhi-Lahore train service has been a symbol of the continuing improvement in relations between India and Pakistan. This awful attack, and those responsible for it, cannot be allowed to undermine this important process. I greatly welcome the fact that Pakistani Foreign Minister Kasuri continued with his planned visit to India for talks on 20 February, immediately after the bombing.

The Government recognises the strong commitment of both the Pakistani and Indian governments to advancing the normalisation of their relations and to resolving all outstanding issues between the two countries. It is vital that their ongoing dialogue continue. The Composite Dialogue, agreed by both sides in January 2004, provides a real mechanism for building trust and confidence between India and Pakistan. With our EU partners, we are ready, should both sides request it, to assist in any way that may be appropriate to bring this process forward.

Seán Ryan (Dublin North, Labour)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the present position in Somalia, following fighting in the wake of the removal of that country's government earlier in 2007; if the AU has been permitted to enter the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10509/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Somalia has been without an effective government since 1991. A Transitional Federal Government (TFG) representing a range of clans was established in Nairobi in 2004 with UN approval and EU support, but it was unable to make a significant impact on the ground. Public discontent with over a decade of anarchy led to increased support for the United Islamic Courts (UIC), which enforced sharia law in large parts of southern Somalia, including Mogadishu, from mid-2006. Islamic extremists gained the upper hand over moderates in the UIC, and threatened a jihad against Ethiopia. In late December 2006, a joint operation by the Transitional Federal Government and Ethiopian troops led to the collapse of the UIC.

In January 2007, Ethiopia began to withdraw its troops from Somalia, and on 19 January the African Union decided to send a peace support force (AMISOM) to the country for an initial period of six months. UN Security Council Resolution 1744, adopted on 20 February 2007, gives AMISOM a mandate to protect the Transitional Federal Institutions and those involved in pursuing peace and reconciliation; to assist the training of Somali security forces; and to contribute to ensuring the security needed for the distribution of humanitarian aid. On 6 March 2007, the first AMISOM troops, from Uganda, were deployed in Somalia.

The AMISOM force faces considerable challenges, including the further deterioration in the security situation since January. On the day that the first AMISOM troops arrived in Somalia, there were mortar strikes close to Mogadishu airport, and some fighting in the city. On 13 March, one civilian was killed when a mortar was fired in the direction of President Yusuf's home. There is a danger of a growing insurgency if the situation is not brought quickly under control.

The situation in Somalia is high on the EU's foreign policy agenda. It was discussed by EU Foreign Ministers at the General Affairs and External Relations Councils in both January and February, and most recently at an EU Foreign Ministers' meeting en marge of the European Council on 8-9 March. EU officials have had extensive contacts with representatives of the Transitional Federal Government to work out how the Union can best support their efforts to return stability to Somalia.

The EU supports the deployment of AMISOM, but has repeatedly stressed that a purely security-based approach will not lead to lasting peace. All sections of the population, including those who chose to support the Islamic Courts, must be given a stake in the future of Somalia. EU Foreign Ministers have accordingly placed emphasis on the need for dialogue between the Transitional Federal Government and a wide range of other groups, including clan elders, Islamic leaders, business people, civil society and women. The President of Somalia has stated his intention to launch a national reconciliation congress on 16 April, in which 3000 delegates from both inside and outside the country will participate. Under the transition agreement reached in 2004, a new constitution is to be drafted and elections held in Somalia by 2009.

In all discussions on Somalia, Ireland has laid particular emphasis on the need for broad-based dialogue, including outreach to moderate Islamists, as a basis for future stability. The Government gave over €5 million in humanitarian assistance to Somalia and funding to Irish NGOs working in the country in 2006. This was a major increase on sums given in previous years, due both to severe drought and flooding, and to our growing concern at the deterioration in the security situation and its humanitarian consequences. So far in 2007, I have committed €3.1 million in humanitarian funding to the UN Consolidated Appeal for Somalia, and a further €0.5 million for mine clearance in the country.

Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 122: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political and security situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10410/07]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 163: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the present position in Afghanistan. [10498/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 122 and 163 together.

The security situation in Afghanistan remains a cause of serious concern. Insurgent activity is expected to rise in 2007, but NATO, which leads the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), remains confident that the insurgency can be contained and defeated. On 6 March ISAF and the Afghan National Security Forces launched Operation Achilles in southern Afghanistan, which aims to stabilise and facilitate reconstruction and development in the region. There is general recognition that security and stability in Afghanistan cannot be achieved by military means alone. Long-term success depends on a comprehensive approach addressing governance and delivery of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance.

The goal of the international community, in cooperation with the Afghan government, is to extend legitimate government, the rule of law and the benefits of government to all parts of Afghanistan through addressing issues such as roads, electricity, counter narcotics programmes and training of the army and police forces. This seeks to assist the Afghan government and people take ownership of the development of their country. Ireland is playing its part in this through supporting strong EU engagement with Afghanistan, as well as bilaterally.

The EU is a major aid contributor to Afghanistan and has made clear its long term support for the people and government of that country. The EU has collectively provided €3.7 billion in aid between 2002 and 2006 and Member States have provided more than 15,000 troops. It also works on the ground through its EU Special Representative for Afghanistan, Mr Francesc Vendrell. The General Affairs and External Relations Council approved on 12 February an ESDP mission on policing for Afghanistan. The mission is designed to improve coordination in the international community's efforts to assist police reform and capacity building.

Ireland has contributed more than €31 million in humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan since 2000, covering areas such as reconstruction, drugs programmes, mine clearance, drought and flood relief, criminal law and criminal justice support. Seven members of the Irish Defence Forces currently serve in ISAF, based in Kabul.

Real progress has been achieved in democratic reforms as well as in the administrative and justice systems since 2001. Significant achievements have been seen for example in extending health coverage and in education, particularly regarding participation of women. The reform process is continuing with international assistance across all sectors. However concerns remain regarding increased drug production, the need to tackle corruption, and the weakness of rule of law and institutions.

The passage of an act granting an amnesty for political factions and others involved in hostilities over more than two decades of conflict in Afghanistan has been of concern. Whilst the act, as signed by President Karzai, has been amended to address many of the concerns of Afghanistan's international partners, real issues remain regarding aspects of the law that appear to contravene international human rights laws. I believe that genuine respect for human rights and internationally accepted tenets of transitional justice are an important part of Afghanistan's development.