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Conflict Resolution

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 18 July 2013

Thursday, 18 July 2013

Questions (33, 35)

Brendan Smith

Question:

33. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress made since the joint announcement on 7 May, by Russia and the United States, of their agreement to organise an international conference on Syria as a follow-up to the Geneva conference of June 2012; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36072/13]

View answer

Brendan Smith

Question:

35. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the ongoing conflict in Syria will be discussed at the next meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36078/13]

View answer

Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 35 together.

The conflict in Syria and the search for a political settlement will figure prominently on the agenda of the next Foreign Affairs Council, which I will attend in Brussels on 22 July. Recent diplomatic efforts, particularly the initiative of the US and Russia aimed at bringing both sides in Syria to a further peace conference in Geneva on the basis of the Geneva Communiqué of June 2012, will undoubtedly be central to our discussions.

In its May 27 Conclusions, the Foreign Affairs Council urged all sides in Syria to respond positively to the US-Russia initiative and it reaffirmed that the EU will spare no effort in helping to create the appropriate conditions for a successful convening of the conference. Under the terms of the Political Declaration adopted at the May Council, High Representative Ashton is expected to report to the Council next week on developments related to the US-Russia initiative and on the engagement of the Syrian parties. A number of preparatory meetings involving senior UN, US and Russian officials have taken place in Geneva to discuss plans for the Geneva II conference. This preparatory work is continuing, though realistically it is likely to be some months yet before any actual conference takes place.

A priority at the moment is persuading the moderate Syrian opposition to alter its current stance and agree to participate fully in any peace talks convened in Geneva. The newly elected President of the Syrian National Coalition, Sheik Jarba, has indicated he does not envisage the Coalition attending the conference prior to the armed opposition reversing its current military fortunes on the ground. Obviously, any prospects for a successful conference require the clear commitment of both the Syrian government and opposition to fully support the Geneva II initiative and engage constructively in it. Ireland and its EU partners believe that there cannot be a military solution to the conflict and that any prolongation of the fighting will only reduce the chances for a peaceful political settlement.

Promoting a power-sharing agreement between the Syrian authorities and the opposition is clearly the only way to end the violence and to respond to the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people for peace and democracy. Ireland and its EU partners will continue to work hard to achieve these vital objectives.

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