Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein)
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19. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the recent upsurge in violence in Nigeria between the Government and Boko Haram; and if he has discussed this issue with his European counterparts. [23231/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Government, along with our EU partners, shares the widespread concern about the security situation in Nigeria, including the ongoing campaign of violence by the group, Boko Haram. We monitor developments in Nigeria closely through our Ambassador and his staff in Abuja, in close consultation with EU and other international partners. We have consistently condemned the violence in Nigeria, and the acts of terror Boko Haram have been perpetrating.

The EU also maintains a strong dialogue with the Nigerian authorities on the political and security situation and on issues related to the Nigerian Government’s response to terrorism. Indeed, Minister of State Joe Costello is today representing the European Union at the EU-Nigeria Ministerial Dialogue meeting, a regular forum for high-level exchange between the EU and Nigeria on issues of mutual interest and concern. The political and security situation in will be discussed, as well as economic and development issues and shared regional and global challenges.

The position of Ireland and the European Union is clear. We support the Nigerian authorities in their efforts to confront terrorism and bring those responsible to justice while maintaining the rule of law and observing and protecting human rights for all citizens of the country. The armed group Boko Haram must end their campaign of violence, lay down their weapons and pursue any policies or grievances they have through peaceful means and dialogue.

In April, the President of Nigeria established a 'Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North'. It has been tasked with considering a 60-day timeframe for dialogue with members of Boko Haram and disarmament. More recently, it appears that this timeframe has been extended to 90 days.

The EU will continue to support equitable and inclusive social and economic development in Nigeria, with special emphasis on addressing the root causes of marginalisation and conflict.