Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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Question 21: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on events in the Ivory Coast following the recent elections there and Mr. Gbagbo's refusal to step down in favour of democratically elected Mr. Ouattara and his refusal to sign a UN document acknowledging the same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8824/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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As the Deputy will be aware, the political and military situation in Cote d'Ivoire, which had been creating increasing violence and instability in that country since the elections on 28 November 2010, came to a head ten days ago. Former President Laurent Gbagbo, who had refused to accept the UN-certified elections result, was captured on 11 April and is now being held in a secure location pending a trial.

At the Foreign Affairs Council on 11 April, EU Foreign Ministers welcomed the arrest of Laurent Gbagbo and the declaration of President Alassane Ouattara that he intends to pursue a policy of reconciliation and reconstruction in Cote d'Ivoire. The European Union pledged its full support for such a policy to help restore social and political stability, and stands ready, for example, to support the work of the proposed Truth and Reconciliation Commission. EU Foreign Ministers also encouraged President Ouattara to form an inclusive, broad-based government representative of all the regions and all strands of political opinion in the country.

It is also clear however, that those from either side of the conflict who are responsible for human rights violations must be held accountable for their acts. I would hope that the International Commission of Inquiry into alleged human rights violations, which the UN Human Rights Council set up on 25 March 2011, will investigate these allegations as swiftly and thoroughly as possible.

The EU on 11 April also affirmed its willingness to support the rapid economic reconstruction of the country. Sanctions directed against government economic bodies have been lifted, so that trading through the ports and with government entities can be resumed with immediate effect. The EU intends to resume its development assistance programme as soon as possible, and will examine the possibility of delivering some quick-disbursing assistance to meet immediate needs. These include the short-term humanitarian requirements, where the EU will work closely with the UN and other international agencies to alleviate the suffering of those displaced by the conflict or in need of essential supplies where they live. Ireland has contributed to UN agencies to help meet the humanitarian needs of the population, particularly those of displaced persons.

Throughout the crisis Ireland and its EU partners have recognised the leadership demonstrated in particular by the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) and the African Union in seeking a resolution to the conflict. The United Nations has also played a particularly important part, and the EU has also recognised the essential and continuing role of UNOCI, in protecting the civilian population in Cote d'Ivoire in line with its mandate and UN Security Resolution 1975. It is important not merely for Cote d'Ivoire but for the whole region that, with the restoration of accountable government, the country can re-establish its stability and foster reconciliation, so that shattered lives can be re-built, families re-united, and normal life resumed.