THE EU should do all in its power to discourage its nationals from serving as mercenaries in the conflict in Zaire, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms Joan Burton, has said.
EU countries which had supported the reconciliation process in the African Great Lakes region could have all their positive work undone through the involvement of the mercenaries, she told a conference on development in Maynooth.
The bombing of civilians by Zairean army warplanes in Bukavu earlier this week recalled the atrocities committed in Europe at Guernica, she said. "Europe must take every action to prevent such atrocities, particularly the participation of European mercenaries in these vile acts."
While the bulk of the white, mercenaries fighting with President Mobutu's Zairean forces are reported to be Serbs, significant numbers of Belgian and French soldiers are also involved.
Ms Burton said the EU should "explore whatever mechanisms are available to discourage mercenary participation in Zaire".
There have been no reports of Irish mercenaries being involved in the conflict.
The Minister said it was "extraordinary" that it was proving difficult to get food supplies to the refugees in Tingi Tingi in eastern Zaire, yet there seemed to be "no problem" with the large scale delivery of arms by Zaire to Hutu extremists based in the camp.
