Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 230: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the ongoing situation in the Congo with particular reference to full democracy and human rights; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4182/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The generally peaceful and orderly conduct of the 2006 Presidential and Parliamentary elections — the first democratic elections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in more than forty years — was a tribute to the strong desire of the Congolese people for an end to conflict and a return to democracy. Since then, noticeable progress had been made in many parts of the country. The new political institutions, including the parliament, are now beginning to take root, although major challenges remain — not least of which will be the holding of successful and peaceful local elections later this year — if the transition process is to be successfully completed.

However, the renewed conflict in eastern DRC during 2007, and the major humanitarian emergency which has resulted, continue to pose a serious threat to the transition process. The continued existence of armed militias preying on the population and ethnic violence between Hutu and Tutsi factions have been elements in the heightened tensions. The EU has expressed particular concern over the systematic sexual violence which has become routine in this conflict, and which is spreading to the civilian population.

As regards the deeply worrying situation in the Kivu provinces , I warmly welcome the agreement reached at the Goma Peace Conference last month. The agreement includes a ceasefire, an agreement to release child captives and a commitment to continue the process of re-training ex-combatants and integrating them into the national army. This agreement provides an opportunity, if the will is there, to end the conflict in these provinces and build lasting peace and democracy.

The DRC is one of four country situations where the International Criminal Court (ICC) has currently decided to act, and two individuals from DRC have been arrested and will stand trial in The Hague. The work of the ICC represents a step towards ending impunity for the many appalling crimes which have been committed in DRC in recent years.

Ultimately, an end to the conflict throughout the DRC will require the creation of stability and the establishment of the rule of law throughout the country. I fully support the work of the United Nations in the DRC, especially the contribution that the UN's peace-keeping mission, MONUC, has made to increased stability. Security sector reform, demobilisation and disarmament, ending impunity, and establishing an effective, fair and transparent system of justice are also urgently required.

The European Union, including Ireland, is fully committed to helping the Congolese government to tackle these problems. On the ground, two European missions are assisting, respectively, in police reform and with guidance on army integration and other security issues. Establishing stability and justice will be a slow process, but Ireland and the EU are committed to providing assistance in the long term.