Paul Connaughton Snr (Galway East, Fine Gael)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if the EU has held any discussions regarding the ongoing tensions between the power sharing Government in Zimbabwe; if there are any plans for EU involvement to assist in resolving these tensions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13255/10]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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The situation in Zimbabwe continues to be of great concern to the Government and to the European Union as a whole. While we have seen some improvements in the economic sphere since the formation of the unity government, this has not been matched in other crucial areas, including respect for human rights, the rule of law and security sector reform.

The lack of progress in implementing the Global Political Agreement (GPA) has been the main source of tension between the parties in the power-sharing government. The most recent crisis was triggered by the arrest and indictment last October of the MDC nominee for Deputy Minister for Agriculture on treason charges and culminated in the disengagement by the MDC from their Zanu-PF partners in government. Both sides subsequently agreed to enter talks facilitated by the South African Development Community (SADC) on the full implementation of the GPA. These talks are continuing. Ireland, with our EU partners, remain supportive of this effort, believing that Zimbabwe's neighbours have a critical role to play in encouraging reform, and can bring the greatest influence to bear in achieving progress in implementing the power sharing agreement.

The EU has repeatedly stated its willingness to re-engage with the Zimbabwean Government. Re-engagement, however, remains conditional on a willingness to pursue in good faiththe agreed goals set out in the GPA. On 21 April, a ministerial delegation from Zimbabwe will travel to Brussels where they will meet with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton. I am hopeful that these discussions will be productive.

In the meantime, Ireland has worked closely with our EU partners in developing a consistent approach to Zimbabwe that benefits the people of Zimbabwe, while maintaining pressure on the Government to reform. In keeping with other international donors, we do not provide funding to the Zimbabwean Government, but respond to the humanitarian needs of the Zimbabwean people through support for the work of multilateral and non-governmental organisations. In 2009, Ireland provided funding of €5.6 million to a range of humanitarian programmes in Zimbabwe, focussed on food security, tackling HIV and AIDS, human rights and supporting civil society organisations that provide essential services for the population.