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Minister for Foreign Affairs:
I continue to be gravely concerned at the ongoing deterioration in the
situation in Zimbabwe. The hardship and deprivations being experienced
by ordinary Zimbabweans are an affront to values which Europe and Africa
share. The dire situation gives added urgency to the efforts being made
by President Mbeki and SADC to broker a political accommodation between
the parties and an economic rescue plan which will respond to the
catastrophic current situation. We support President Mbeki's efforts in
this regard. I believe that Zimbabwe's neighbours are best placed to
keep up the necessary pressure on President Mugabe's government to alter
the failed policies which have brought economic collapse and misery to
its people.
Ireland supports and looks forward to the EU-Africa Summit in Lisbon
from 8-9 December 2007. I believe that this Summit will be timely and
important for strengthening Europe's overall relationship with Africa
and reaffirming our tradition of mutual engagement. The EU and Africa
share an interest in working together to tackle the full spectrum of
global challenges, including achieving the Millennium Development Goals,
peace and security, human rights, migration, the environment, energy and
trade. There are also specific country situations on which we share
common concerns. The preparation of a Joint EU-Africa Strategy which
will be adopted at the Lisbon Summit this December gives us an
opportunity to define together how we can co-operate on these issues
going forward.
The EU and the African Union will have to work together to find a
formula for Zimbabwe's representation at the Lisbon Summit. The question
of how the situation in Zimbabwe might be addressed at the Summit is
also under consideration.
Ireland believes that it would be better if President Mugabe did not
attend the Summit, and we have urged the Portuguese Presidency to
explore creatively all other options for Zimbabwean representation. For
example, at EU-ASEAN Summits, Burma/Myanmar has been represented by its
Foreign Minister. However, I am aware that many African countries feel
strongly on this issue. Likewise, many EU Member States do not wish the
EU's relations with an entire continent to be held hostage to one
country's problems. Invitations to the EU-Africa Summit have not yet
been issued, and until all avenues have been explored it would be
premature to comment further on how the issue will unfold.
Partnership with Africa is a priority for the Government and a focus of
Ireland's foreign policy. This, as well as our deep concern about the
situation in Zimbabwe, will be fully weighed when the time comes to
decide whether to attend the Summi Partnership with Africa is a priority
for the Government and a focus of Ireland's foreign policy. This, as
well as our deep concern about the situation in Zimbabwe, will be fully
weighed when the time comes to decide whether to attend the Summit. |
