Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 223: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will oppose the Portuguese Presidency inviting President Robert Mugabe to the proposed African Summit; if he will attend or be represented in the event of the Zimbabwean President attending; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22917/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I continue to be gravely concerned at the ongoing deterioration in the situation in Zimbabwe. The dire situation gives added urgency to the efforts being made by President Mbeki of South Africa and the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) to broker a political accommodation between the parties and an economic rescue plan which will respond to the catastrophic current situation. We strongly support President Mbeki's efforts. I believe that Zimbabwe's neighbours are best placed to keep up the necessary pressure on President Mugabe's government to alter the failed policies which have brought economic collapse and misery to its people.

Ireland supports and looks forward to the EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon from 8-9 December 2007. I believe that this Summit will be timely and important for strengthening Europe's overall relationship with Africa and reaffirming our tradition of mutual engagement. The EU and Africa share an interest in working together to tackle the full spectrum of global challenges, including achieving the Millennium Development Goals, peace and security, human rights, migration, the environment, energy and trade. There are also specific country situations on which we share common concerns. The preparation of a Joint EU-Africa Strategy which will be adopted at the Lisbon Summit this December gives us an opportunity to define together how we can co-operate on these issues going forward. The EU and the African Union will have to work together to find a formula for Zimbabwe's representation at the Lisbon Summit. The question of how the situation in Zimbabwe might be addressed at the Summit is also under consideration.

Ireland believes that it would be better if President Mugabe did not attend the Summit, and we have urged the Portuguese Presidency to explore creatively all other options for Zimbabwean representation. For example, at EU-ASEAN (Association of South East Asian Nations) Summits, Burma/Myanmar has been represented by its Foreign Minister, although representation at Summits is usually at Head of State or Government level. However, I am aware that many African countries feel strongly about this issue. Likewise, many EU Member States do not wish the EU's relations with an entire continent to be held hostage to one country's problems. Invitations to the EU-Africa Summit have not yet been issued, and until all avenues have been explored it would be premature to comment further on how the issue will unfold.

Partnership with Africa is a priority for the Government and a focus of Ireland's foreign policy. This, as well as our deep concern about the sit Partnership with Africa is a priority for the Government and a focus of Ireland's foreign policy. This, as well as our deep concern about the situation in Zimbabwe, will be fully weighed when the time comes to decide at what level to attend the Summit.