Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 389: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he is taking in response to worldwide concerns regarding human rights abuses in Zimbabwe; his contacts in the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33220/07]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I am deeply concerned about the situation in Zimbabwe. The Government of Zimbabwe's disastrous economic policies have led to severe hardship for ordinary people, and those who seek democratic change face enormous obstacles. Politically motivated violence is reported to have increased throughout 2007. Many opposition activists and supporters, including those from the Movement for Democratic Change, have been arrested and some have been severely beaten in police custody.

International efforts must focus on pushing for a level playing field for the March 2008 elections to allow the people of Zimbabwe to decide who they think can best lead their country out of its current economic and political crisis. Ireland and the EU strongly believe that African leadership is the key to encouraging progress towards economic and political stability. We support the talks between the government and opposition in Zimbabwe which are being mediated by President Mbeki under a Southern African Development Community mandate. It is expected that the talks will conclude soon.

Implementation of any agreement will be crucial, and will need to be carefully monitored. When EU Foreign Ministers discussed the situation in Zimbabwe in October, they agreed that the EU may need to follow up the Southern African Development Community initiative once it is complete. At the General Affairs and External Relations Council on 19 November, it was agreed that President Mugabe would hear a tough and clear message on the EU's abhorrence of his policies at the EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon, and such a message was delivered last weekend.

There have been no political level visits between Ireland and Zimbabwe in recent years. The Secretary General of my Department raised Ireland's concerns about the failed political and economic policies of President Mugabe's Government with Zimbabwean officials in Harare in June 2007, and also had talks with members of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change. The Irish Ambassador to South Africa, who is also accredited to Zimbabwe, has regularly expressed to Zimbabwean interlocutors the Government's deep concern about the situation there. He most recently met Zimbabwean officials during a visit to Harare in September 2007. He also has regular contact with South African officials on this issue.

Our Embassy in Pretoria monitors allegations of human rights abuses in Zimbabwe and raises issues of concern in relation to human rights and governance with the Zimbabwean Government at all levels and at every available opportunity. In their capacities as local EU Presidency representatives, the Irish Ambassadors in both Lesotho and Zambia have raised concerns about Zimbabwe with their host countries. I am very conscious of the suffering of the Zimbabwean people under this brutal regime, and the Government is determined to continue our support to them. Irish Aid funding for the people of Zimbabwe has amounted to more than €17 million over the past two years. Our contribution is channelled through UN agencies, local and international NGOs, and Irish missionaries, and has a direct and positive effect on the lives of thousands of people. Ireland is ready to respond appropriately to any positive change in Zimbabwe.