Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 288: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his EU colleagues have discussed the situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10708/08]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent of discussions that have taken place at EU level with a view to discouraging the drug trade in Afghanistan and surrounding countries; the extent to which incentives have been offered in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10711/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 288 and 291 together.

On Monday the General Affairs and External Relations Council adopted Conclusions reaffirming the EU's commitment to long-term support for Afghanistan. These make clear our core principles of promoting Afghan leadership, good governance, responsibility and ownership, and fostering the development of a democratic, secure and sustainable Afghan State with respect for human rights and the rule of law. The issue will also be on the agenda of the European Council on 14 March.

Serious challenges remain in Afghanistan, both for the Afghan government and the international community. It is vitally important that we ensure the maximum cohesion and coordination of our efforts, particularly with the Afghan government, to address issues of concern such as drug production, tackling corruption, institutional reforms and the weakness of the rule of law. In this context I very much welcome the appointment of the widely respected Norwegian diplomat, Mr Kai Eide, as Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan. The UN continues to play the lead coordinating role in Afghanistan and, I believe that Mr Eide will manage this effectively.

The drug trade from Afghanistan is a particular cause for concern for Ireland and EU partners, and is an important area for the EU's assistance to Afghanistan, including from member states. This is a challenge not only for Afghanistan, but for its neighbours and the wider international community. Afghanistan is the top producer of illicit drugs in the world, accounting for 93 percent of the global illicit market for opiates. Drug money fuels organised crime and corruption in Afghanistan, and helps finance the insurgency. Moreover, drug abuse is a growing problem in Afghanistan, as is the spread of HIV/AIDS through intravenous drug abuse.

I understand that the Afghan government will launch a new national comprehensive counter narcotics strategy in the coming months. Its existing National Drug Control Strategy has as its priorities the following: targeting the trafficker, diversifying rural livelihoods by providing alternatives to poppy cultivation, reducing demand for drugs and developing state institutions. However, combating the opium economy will also require further focus on security and promoting good governance. The EU Police Mission in Afghanistan should have a valuable role to play in assisting the development of Afghan police capacity in this area.

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 290: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the worst locations of war and strife, starvation, ethnic cleansing, corruption, genocide and general human rights abuses on the continent of Africa; the action taken at EU or UN level to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10710/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The reduction of poverty, hunger and conflict in Africa is one of the most important tasks of the international community in the 21st century. Conflict has many causes and many manifestations, but poverty, inequality and exclusion have proved to be the most fertile breeding grounds for violence and ethnic hatred. Most wars occur in poor countries, and the causes and effect of conflict are exacerbated by poverty and corruption.

African leadership and responsibility are crucial, and the African Union represents an important strategic partner for the European Union and the international community generally. Since 2004, the EU has supported the development of African-led peacekeeping in Darfur and elsewhere through its African Peace Facility. Peace and security, good governance and development were among the themes which European leaders discussed with their African counterparts at the EU-Africa Summit in December 2007 which agreed a comprehensive EU-Africa Strategy to address these and other common challenges.

Africa is at the heart of Ireland's programme of official development assistance. Irish Aid provides emergency humanitarian aid, funding for recovery, and long-term development assistance to many African countries either directly, or through our partnerships with the United Nations, the Red Cross family and Non-governmental Organisations. In the context of an increasing aid budget as we approach the UN target of 0.7% of GNP by 2012, these interventions are being further strengthened through enhanced support at the global and country levels. The launch of the Hunger Task Force and the establishment of a Conflict Resolution Unit in my Department are clear and practical manifestations of our resolve to do more in these areas which directly affect the lives of millions throughout the developing world.

Addressing Africa's needs, especially the interests of the poorest and most vulnerable, necessitates a comprehensive and coordinated series of actions by the international community and African Governments. In order to measure development progress and to set benchmarks, the United Nations developed the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which were endorsed by world leaders in 2000. While the MDGs are undoubtedly ambitious, they can be reached if all stakeholders, the affected countries themselves, the donor community, the UN and EU work together to ensure that poverty reduction, good governance and sustainable development are the cornerstones of all our efforts in Africa.

Ireland closely monitors developments in the human rights situation throughout the world and where the situation warrants, we make known our concerns to the governments in question, either bilaterally, through the EU, or through action at the UN General Assembly or the UN Human Rights Council.

The challenges facing Africa are enormous. But there is some encouraging news. Many African economies are growing. The work of the International Criminal Court marks a real effort to end impunity for war crimes, ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity, though full cooperation with the ICC remains essential on the part of all who have signed the Rome Statute. While there are exceptions such as Somalia, Zimbabwe, Darfur and others, many African countries now have less violence and civil strife than for many years. There is relative peace in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Angola, and southern Sudan. Developments so far this year in DRC and northern Uganda have been very encouraging, although international engagement will be needed for some time. Through our growing aid programme, we will continue to address needs and build on progress to make a real and lasting difference in the lives of the poorest in Africa.