Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 592: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to his contacts in respect of Zimbabwe following the special Dáil Éireann debate in December 2007; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1681/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The situation in Zimbabwe remains grave. In addition to the economic hardships, there are continuing reports of brutal repression of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) and other civil society groups perceived to be challenging the Zanu PF ruling party. There is a pervasive atmosphere of intimidation and violence towards those who seek change in the country. As economic hardships and political repression intensify, there is unfortunately no sign that the Zimbabwean government is willing to change the policies which have brought the country to its knees.

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 (SADC) mandate. The Taoiseach discussed the progress of this initiative with President Mbeki when they met in Pretoria on 15 January. The Taoiseach and Minister of State Kitt also attended the EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon in December at which the EU's concerns regarding the current situation in Zimbabwe were clearly articulated by Chancellor Merkel and High Representative Solana on behalf of the Union.

Implementation of any agreement reached will of course be crucial, and must bring about real policy change. The Zimbabwean people must have a chance to express their will without fear in the elections which have been announced for 29 March. Unfortunately, in the current environment we can have no confidence that Zimbabweans will have this chance. The appointment of an independent electoral commission, reform of the voter registration lists, the halting of political oppression and violence, and free media access would be important steps towards ensuring that these elections are free and fair.

Ireland will continue to be active in relation to Zimbabwe, including condemning human rights abuses and urging political and economic reform. Our Embassy in Pretoria monitors allegations of human rights abuses in Zimbabwe, and raises issues of concern with the Zimbabwean government at every available opportunity. It is important to maintain pressure on the Zimbabwean Government to address the appalling human rights situation in that country and, in that regard, Ireland fully supported the renewal of the EU Common Position on Zimbabwe which was discussed in Brussels last week. I also very much welcome the strong interest in, and support for change in Zimbabwe, which exists in this House, as evidenced by the recent motion adopted on Zimbabwe in December.

Irish Aid continues to provide support to alleviate the sufferings of the Zimbabwean people, amounting to over €17 million in 2006 and 2007, and already in 2008 a further €1.1 million has been disbursed. Our contribution is channelled through UN agencies, local and international NGOs, and Irish missionaries. Ireland stands ready to respond appropriately to any positive change in Zimbabwe.