asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he took action at the United Nations or elsewhere in regard to reports of genocide in Burundi; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The Government were kept closely informed of the tragic events in Burundi earlier this year. The Secretary-General of the United Nations, on behalf of all the member states, has sent a medical team to assist with relief and rehabilitation in the area. The unhappy situation in that country is not, however, on the agenda of the current session of the United Nations General Assembly, nor is it expected that it will be formally raised in any other forum in which we are represented.

Would the Minister agree to having the matter raised?

The action taken by the Secretary-General can be taken as representing the member states.

Would the Minister agree that this is not just a medical problem? It is a political problem?

I understand that.