Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
99. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria in August 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37551/13]
View answerI have made two public statements on the use of chemical weapons in Syria. On 28 August I issued the following statement: “I repeat my condemnation of the recent gas attacks in Syria. The horrific consequences of the illegal use of these armaments against a civilian population are appalling and an affront to the values of the United Nations. The use of these weapons has rightly been outlawed for almost a century. The deliberate use of chemical weapons against a civilian population is a very serious war crime.
There are growing international concerns that the attacks were probably carried out by the Syrian Government. The evidence the inspectors find on the ground may also be critical in clarifying who was responsible.
The UN Security Council is the appropriate forum for determining the response of the international community. I call on all members of the Security Council to fulfil their responsibilities under the UN Charter to reach agreement on the necessary measures to uphold international law and protect the fundamental rights of the Syrian population. I also reiterate my call for the Security Council to refer the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court to ensure that those who commit or order war crimes and crimes against humanity are held accountable. I reiterate that only a political solution can bring peace to Syria."
On 14 September I made a further statement:
“I welcome the announcement of the agreement between the US and Russian negotiating teams on the elimination of Syrian chemical weapons. The possession of chemical weapons is fundamentally unacceptable to the international community and their use under any circumstances is a crime under international law. The framework agreed for their elimination represents a significant advance in security in the Middle East, particularly for the security of the Syrian population who have suffered the appalling consequences of their use. Syria's compliance with the terms of this agreement is critical and must be immediately forthcoming. Ireland will support all diplomatic efforts to ensure that Syria fulfils its obligations under the Chemical Weapons Convention and the terms of this agreement."
