Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 131: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in Iraq and particularly the position regarding the security of its citizens; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1946/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I have been pleased to be able to report to this House on a number of occasions on the substantial improvement in security in Iraq which has taken place over the last two years. This has been achieved by a combination of enhanced activity by Iraqi and international security forces, but also by progress in internal reconciliation and political action, which we have always stressed would be crucial to making progress.

During 2008, security control of almost all Iraqi provinces was returned to Iraqi forces. At the end of 2008, the overarching security role of the UN-mandated MultiNational Force in Iraq came to an end. The Iraqi Government and its security forces are now responsible for security in Iraq. Iraqi security forces have demonstrated significantly improved capabilities, but are not yet able to cope with the serious continuing threats without outside assistance. The presence and the rules governing the remaining international forces in Iraq, principally from the United States, are now established in bilateral arrangements between Iraq and these countries. Furthermore, it is envisaged that the security role of these forces will be progressively reduced, and end in 2011.

The widespread reduction in violence has led to a considerable improvement in security for ordinary Iraqis, and a return to something like normal life in many areas. However, there are still a number of ongoing issues of concern in relation to Iraq. Firstly, the level of violence, while greatly reduced, is still unacceptably high by any normal standard. Remaining militant groups continue to carry out indiscriminate bomb attacks on civilians, especially in Baghdad. In some areas of northern Iraq, especially the cities of Kirkuk and Mosul, issues of ethnic control have led to outbreaks of violence. I have noted with concern here in this House the serious problems Iraqi Christians have faced in this regard.

Secondly, the Iraqi parties must use this respite from violence to continue and deepen the work of inter communal reconciliation, which has been too slow. Thirdly, the overwhelming focus on overcoming violence in recent years means that issues of improving human rights and good governance remain to be tackled. As Iraq struggles to defeat the murderous groups which have attacked its society, we must help it avoid falling back on the brutal methods of previous Iraqi regimes. Finally, a considerable problem remains of internally displaced persons in Iraq and refugees in neighbouring countries, especially Syria and Jordan. These problems will continue to require the support and encouragement of the international community, including Ireland and its EU partners.

Ruairi Quinn (Dublin South East, Labour)
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Question 134: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the situation in Afghanistan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1947/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The situation in Afghanistan remains deeply troubling. The deteriorating security environment continues to be of particular concern, especially with regard to the high number of civilian casualties and the impact it is having on reconstruction efforts and the operations of international aid agencies, including Irish non-governmental organisations working in Afghanistan. Figures released by the US Government at the end of last year indicate that the number of insurgent bomb attacks doubled in 2008 to approximately 2,000, as did the number of kidnappings to 250. Very clear difficulties also continue to exist in Afghanistan in relation to human rights, governance and the rule of law, and narcotics.

This coming year represents a crucial period for Afghanistan, particularly in light of the scheduled Presidential elections. It is imperative that the electoral process is free and fair and that every effort is made to enable the participation by all communities in Afghanistan in the electoral process. Close co-operation between Afghanistan and its neighbours remains integral to improving the situation in Afghanistan, including efforts to combat terrorism across the region. In this regard, I welcome the further positive developments in relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan and the commitments made by their leaders, during the President of Pakistan's first visit to Kabul on 6 January, to eliminate militancy, extremism and terrorism, and to develop a joint strategy for combating terrorism and eradicating drugs.

I also welcome the appointment by President Obama of Richard Holbrooke as the new US Special Envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan and the commitment of the incoming administration to address the situation in Afghanistan. The international community continues to have an essential role there and Ireland remains fully supportive of the work of the UN Secretary General's Special Representative Kai Eide. Seven Irish soldiers continue to serve with the UN-mandated International Security and Assistance Force (ISAF). Ireland has pledged a total of €9 million for relief, reconstruction and development in Afghanistan over the two year period 2008-2009, of which over €5.1 million has been allocated to date. This includes support for the recent establishment of a UN OCHA office — Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs — in Afghanistan to enhance humanitarian co-ordination and advocacy.