Spring rejects suspension of Irish aid to Rwanda

THE row over the Government's policy in central Africa has deepened with the Tanaiste's rejection of opposition calls for suspension of aid to Rwanda over its alleged links to atrocities committed in eastern Zaire.

The issue has also split aid agencies. Concern, working in Rwanda and eastern Zaire, supports continuing aid. Goal director Mr John O'Shea yesterday repeated his call for an end to assistance.

Mr Spring told the Dail he was satisfied that Irish aid to Rwanda was used "correctly and effectively". Every precaution had been taken to ensure aid was not spent on arms, he told Mr Des O'Malley of the Progressive Democrats.

Mr O'Malley had earlier joined

Fianna Fail and Goal in calling for aid suspension. The Rwandan authorities were "clearly in league" with Laurent Kabila's rebel forces in Zaire, which an EU official had accused of "engaging in genocide", he said.

Mr O'Malley questioned the Tanaiste's support for the UN's efforts to repatriate Hutu refugees trapped in Zaire. "If they're relocated within Zaire, they'll he killed by Kabila. And if they're relocated to Rwanda, they'll be killed by the Tutsi regime there," he claimed.

However, Mr Spring said there were "armed elements" among the refugees, who did not wish either to be found or repatriated, where they would face trial for genocide. "Unless those responsible for killings on all sides are brought to justice, there is little hope of breaking the cycle of murder and revenge with impunity which has characterised the region for decades."

Reports of killings in Kisangani in eastern Zaire were particularly worrying, Mr Spring said. The Government condemned any murders or other human rights abuses. But the facts were unclear; the Government had allocated £25,000 to support a UN human rights mission in the area.

Fianna Fail's Mr Tom Kilt called for Irish aid to the Rwandan government to be redirected to aid agencies working in the country. He called on the Tanaiste to use his influence with the Rwandan authorities to ensure the protect ion of all its citizens.

Mr O'Shea said confidential reports recently submitted to the UN gave "clear indications of serious violations of human rights" in rebel held areas.