I propose to take Questions Nos. 4 and 41 together.
By turning out to vote in such large and enthusiastic numbers in the recent UN-supervised elections the ordinary people of Cambodia have clearly demonstrated their wish for a future based on peace and national reconciliation. After 15 years of war there is now a real prospect of a better future for Cambodia.
The elections have provided a firm and widely supported democratic base on which those now elected to the constituent assembly can draw up a new constitution and establish a new Government for all of Cambodia.
I would like to support the call made by the UN Security Council on 2 June that all the parties in Cambodia stand by their obligations to respect fully the results of the elections. This is crucial to ensuring that the will of the Cambodian people is fully respected.
I would also like to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to Mr. Akashi, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in Cambodia, and all the members of the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC), particularly the Irish members, for their courage and dedication in providing the necessary support for the electoral process despite hardships and difficulties.
Three members of the Oireachtas were in Cambodia to observe the elections and found them to be free and fair.
Following the peace accords, Ireland, in common with many other countries, pledged support for the reconstruction of Cambodia both bilaterally and through multilateral support measures undertaken by the United Nations and the European Communities.
Funds have been provided under the bilateral aid programme for the rehabilitation of the electricity supply for Phnom Penh. This work, which is being carried out by ESB International, will be commissioned later this summer.
Through APSO the Government funded 45 volunteers working with the United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia (UNTAC) to assist in the election process.
The Government is also supporting the activities of a number of governmental organisations by direct co-financing of projects in Cambodia and is providing a total of 12 volunteers to Concern and GOAL through APSO.