Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 356: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding his contacts in respect of the need to support human rights and democracy in Zimbabwe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40836/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I remain deeply concerned at the situation in Zimbabwe. Over the last number of years, but especially in recent months, ordinary Zimbabweans have suffered from state violence, economic chaos and the collapse of basic social services such as health and education. Now, as a result of drought, the disruption caused by violence, and a lack of basic inputs such as seeds and fertilisers which farmers can no longer afford, many Zimbabweans are facing into a season of hunger. The UN believes that numbers dependent on food aid will reach 5 million people in January 2009. The European Commission has allocated an additional €10 million in relief assistance for people affected by the humanitarian crisis in Zimbabwe, while Irish aid to the affected people for the period 2006 to 2008 (to date) amounts to approx €25m.

Substantial political change is urgently needed to bring Zimbabwe back onto a path to stability, peace and economic growth. Despite the appalling violence against MDC supporters since the relatively free elections of March 2008, Morgan Tsvangirai had expressed his willingness to work with Zanu-PF in a unity government. However, the MDC can only represent the Zimbabwean people's interests effectively in government if Zanu-PF honours its commitments under the 15 September power-sharing agreement. The fact that Zanu-PF is not prepared to allow the MDC to take on the two Ministries — Finance and Interior — which are most crucial for reform is a clear demonstration of bad faith on the part of Robert Mugabe. I am frankly disappointed at the outcome of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit in Pretoria on 9 November, when regional leaders did not press Mugabe to do what it takes to make a unity government workable.

The Government has engaged at EU level in the discussion of the current crisis in Zimbabwe and actively contributed to the preparation of the Conclusions adopted by the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC) in October. After that meeting, EU Foreign Ministers stated that the EU stands ready to support a transitional government which is taking steps to restore democracy and the rule of law in Zimbabwe. That commitment still stands. The situation in Zimbabwe was also discussed at the GAERC of 10 November.

Ireland has also conveyed our concerns directly to our partner countries in Africa. We have encouraged the countries of the Southern Africa region and organizations such as SADC and the African Union to continue to press the two sides to come to a workable agreement, and to respect the democratic verdict of the Zimbabwean people. Most recently, earlier this month I instructed our Ambassadors in SADC countries once again to convey our concerns to the authorities in our partner countries in southern Africa, in advance of the 9 November SADC Summit. The Irish Ambassador to Zimbabwe, who is based in Pretoria, has had contact with Zimbabwean Ambassador there, and the Zimbabwean authorities can be in no doubt about our strong views. My Department has also had contacts with African Embassies based in Dublin on this issue.