Tommy Broughan (Dublin North East, Labour)
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Question 164: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Somalia; the position adopted on the country by the European Union; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18666/07]

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 and EU support, but 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) movement, which enforced sharia law in areas of southern Somalia from mid-2006. However, Islamic extremists gained influence within the UIC, and threatened a jihad against Ethiopia. In December 2006, a joint military operation by the Transitional Federal Government and Ethiopian troops led to the collapse of the UIC. In February 2007, the UN gave the African Union the mandate it had asked for to send a peace support force (AMISOM) to the country. The first AMISOM troops, from Uganda, were deployed in March.

The security situation in Somalia deteriorated in March, with clashes taking place between the Transitional Federal Government security forces on the one hand, and clan militias and Islamists on the other. Several hundred thousand people were displaced from Mogadishu as a result of this violence. There was an improvement in the security situation from late April, but urban conflict continues, including inter-clan violence. On 22 June, a curfew was imposed in Mogadishu in response to this violence.

A planned National Reconciliation Congress (NRC) has been postponed until mid-July, to allow further time for preparations and for a necessary stabilisation of the security situation. The EU sees the Congress as an opportunity for the TFG to draw in new elements to increase its public support and credibility. There have been indications that some members of the United Islamic Courts may be invited to take part in the NRC. It will be in the TFG's interest to build its own legitimacy on a firmer foundation byinvolving as many actors as possible in the Congress.

The EU is continuing to urge the TFG to talk to moderate Islamists, civil society, women, business people and clan leaders. The European Commission has been working closely with TFG officials, including giving practical training on ceasefires, and has provided initial funding of €2 million for the National Reconciliation Congress. EU Foreign Ministers last discussed the situation in Somalia in May 2007. We encouraged all parties to work towards a comprehensive ceasefire, emphasising that the conflict can only be settled by political means. We called for an inclusive, meaningful and consensual dialogue involving all sections of Somali society, and noted our readiness to support the National Reconciliation Congress, financially or otherwise. We welcomed contacts between the Transitional Federal Government (TFG), Ethiopia and the Hawiye clan leadership committee. Finally, we reaffirmed the EU's support for the work of the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).

On humanitarian access, where Ireland has particular concerns, my EU colleagues and I reiterated the obligation of all parties to comply with international humanitarian law and urged the Somali authorities to do their utmost to remove any obstacle to the free movement of aid workers into and throughout the country

Ireland supports the EU position that in the absence of dialogue, a purely 'security' approach to Somalia's problems is not likely to be effective. Ireland is a significant humanitarian donor to Somalia, and we have given €4.88 million in humanitarian assistance so far in 2007. In addition to providing an early response to the UN's consolidated appeal for Somalia in February 2007, we are funding recovery and reconstruction activities by NGO partners, including Irish NGOs, in post-conflict areas of Somalia. Irish Aid responded to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people by fighting in Mogadishu in March and April with further funding to our partner agencies. In view of the fragility of the situation, I am continuing to keep the humanitarian situation in Somalia under close review.

Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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Question 167: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the political and security situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18686/07]

Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)
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Question 176: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the present situation in Afghanistan. [18645/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 167 and 176 together.

Some significant progress has been achieved in democratic reforms in Afghanistan, as well as in the administrative and justice systems, since 2001. With international assistance, the reform process is continuing across all sectors. The goal of the international community, in cooperation with the Afghan government, remains to extend legitimate government, the rule of law and the benefits of government to all parts of Afghanistan.

At the same time, there is deep concern about the security situation in Afghanistan. Insurgent activity remains high, shifting from direct confrontation to greater use of improvised explosive devices, kidnappings and suicide attacks. Equally, the Taliban continue to seek to spread their influence, and the conflict, into new areas. Moreover, concerns remain regarding increased drug production, the need to tackle corruption, and the weakness of the rule of law and of Afghan institutions.

The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has expanded to try and meet this threat. With some recent successes, ISAF believes that the insurgency can be contained.

Security and stability in Afghanistan cannot, of course, be achieved by military means alone. Long-term success depends on a comprehensive approach, encompassing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, raising living standards and improving governance and the rule of law. Recent ISAF operations have focussed on providing a security environment to facilitate reconstruction efforts and development. A further key challenge, not only for Afghanistan, but also for its neighbours and the wider international community, is the need to combat the narcotics trade from Afghanistan, which provides 92% of the world's heroin. In a further key challenge, not only for Afghanistan, but also for its neighbours and the wider international community, is the need to combat the narcotics trade from Afghanistan, which provides 92% of the world's heroin. Increased production presents a real danger, as it helps finance the insurgency and also fosters corruption.

There is strong EU engagement with Afghanistan. The ESDP mission on policing for Afghanistan, which was approved by the Council last February, is continuing its preparations for work on the ground. The mission will improve coordination in the international community's efforts to assist police reform and capacity building. Bilaterally, 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 non-combat roles with ISAF, based in Kabul.