Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The Government is deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis in Zimbabwe. Since polling day on 29th March, the situation on the ground has deteriorated considerably. There are reports that at least 20 people have been killed, and over 28,000 displaced. State-sponsored beatings and torture meted out to opposition supporters and activists have reached appalling levels, and many of those who have been attacked have been prevented from accessing medical care, further exacerbating their injuries. The Government strongly condemns these vicious and inhuman acts. In this context, there are serious questions about whether a sufficiently secure environment can be achieved to allow a credible conclusion to the electoral process.

The long-delayed results of the presidential election of 29 March were finally released on 2 May. The Zimbabwean Electoral Commission figures give Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader Morgan Tsvangirai 47.9% of the vote, and President Mugabe of ZANU-PF just over 43%. The MDC maintains that Mr. Tsvangirai took 50.3% of the vote, and there was certainly some evidence that ballots may have been tampered with during the unexplained 34-day gap between polling day and the announcement of results. However, it is clear even from the results announced that President Mugabe has lost the confidence of the people; and the people of Zimbabwe deserve the opportunity to make their choice between these two candidates in a free and fair run-off vote. The Zimbabwean constitution specifies that a runoff election be held within 21 days, but it also allows postponement of the runoff if necessary in view of conditions on the ground. The Zimbabwean authorities have now indicated their intention to delay the run-off for 'logistical reasons', and the second round of voting has been set for 27 June. During this period, President Mugabe will lead a care-taker administration.

I take note of the fact that leaders of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have urged the Government of Zimbabwe to ensure that any second round of the Presidential election must take place in a secure environment. Ireland and the EU have also insisted that there is a need for conditions to improve, including in respect of media freedom and freedom of assembly, and for an end to the climate of violence and repression before any second round of voting. The EU is encouraging a regional response to the Zimbabwe situation by SADC's neighbours. Ireland will continue to press for an end to state-sponsored violence in Zimbabwe, and full respect for the democratically-expressed will of the people. Irish Ambassadors in the southern African region, and indeed throughout the continent, have raised our concerns with their host Governments, and will continue to do so as appropriate on an ongoing basis. We know that many of our African partners share our concern and outrage about what is happening in Zimbabwe.

We are also mindful of the humanitarian situation in Zimbabwe, which has been exacerbated by disruptions caused by post-election violence. The EU and its member States remain the most important group of donors to Zimbabwe, and for our part, the Government is committed to continuing Irish Aid support to the Zimbabwean people. We, and all of the international community, must act with the best interests of the Zimbabwean people in mind, whether that means strong public pressure, or intensive efforts behind the scenes. I intend to ensure that this issue is further discussed at the next General Affairs and External Relations Council on 26 May. Ireland will support any further action by the European Union to help create space for democracy in Zimbabwe.