Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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Question 40: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has issued any communication to the Russian Federation over the disputed Duma elections held in December 2011 and subsequent treatment of protestors; if he has discussed the issue with the EU External Action Services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2365/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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Ireland contributed five short-term observers selected by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. A member of the Oireachtas took part in the observation mission of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and a former member of the Oireachtas observed the election at the invitation of a Russian non-governmental organisation. The OSCE ODIHR Election Observation Mission issued a preliminary report on 5 December which pointed to a number of shortcomings in the election campaign and voting process, and in particular in vote counting.

The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy issued a statement on 6 December noting the findings of the OSCE ODIHR preliminary report and expressing the expectation that the issues raised would be addressed by the Russian authorities "to allow for smooth and fair Presidential elections in the spring". The OSCE ODIHR final report was issued on 12 January.

The conduct and outcome of the Duma elections have clearly provoked a very broad reflection within Russia on the democratic process, including the large scale demonstrations last month.

It is encouraging that the demonstrations have been able to take place in a mostly peaceful environment.

I welcome the commitment made by President Medvedev on 21 December to undertake a comprehensive reform of the political system, including a return to a system of elections for governors, as well as lowering the administrative requirements for the registration of political parties and election candidates.

Looking ahead to the Presidential elections on 4 March, I also welcome the recent official invitation from the Chairman of the Central Election Commission to the OSCE ODIHR to monitor the elections. Ireland intends to contribute observers to this mission.

I have not been in direct communication with the Russian authorities on the matter but I encourage the Russian authorities to take account of the concerns that have been aired both within Russia and by its partners ahead of the Presidential elections in March to ensure that the conduct and the outcome of the election commands the widest possible support.