Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 19 February 2014
18. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the progress arising from the Geneva two conference on Syria; if he will outline the most recent discussions at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council concerning these talks; if there has been any recent progress in providing much needed additional humanitarian aid for Syria and neighbouring countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8016/14]
View answer61. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the European Union and the international community in general continue to use their influence to protect the civilian population in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8577/14]
View answer64. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the total indicated death toll arising from the ongoing conflict in Syria; if sufficient efforts continue to be made to bring about a cessation of violence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8580/14]
View answer65. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the estimated loss of life in respect of the civilian population in the course of the ongoing strikes in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8581/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 18, 61, 64 and 65 together.
The second round of discussions in the Geneva II Conference began on 10 February. Regrettably, there has been little progress to date though both sides have stated their willingness to discuss the original terms of the Geneva communiqué and see how it may begin to be implemented. To this end, the Syrian opposition led by the Syrian National Coalition has circulated a set of principles for a political settlement but the Syrian regime has to date been unwilling to engage on this or any discussion of a transitional authority as provided for in the Geneva communiqué.
Joint Special Representative Brahimi made a statement to the press last weekend indicating that progress remains blocked as the Assad regime is refusing to negotiate on a key principle of the Geneva communiqué, the formation of a transitional governing body with full executive powers. He will make a full report to the Security Council this week. I have repeatedly stated that I see no prospect for any military solution to this conflict and that the Geneva principles remain the best basis for a negotiated end to this conflict. If the present opportunity is missed, the future viability of the Syrian state may be at risk.
The ongoing crisis in Syria and the Geneva II negotiations were discussed at the meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council which I attended on 10 February. Issues raised included the humanitarian crisis in Syria and across the region and the prospects for a humanitarian resolution at the UN Security Council which I have consistently called for and which now has full EU support; the regional impact of the Syrian conflict; the renewal of the Geneva II negotiations and the chemical weapons destruction programme. All Member States expressed concerns about the appalling impact of this crisis and a shared determination to support the Geneva II process and Joint Special Representative Brahimi in his efforts.
At the 15 January Syria donor conference in Kuwait, Minister of State Costello met with UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Valarie Amos, to discuss impediments to the humanitarian efforts on the ground in Syria. The conflict is Syria is intensifying, with the latest reports indicating a total death toll estimated at 136,000 and over 9.3 million in need of humanitarian assistance. They agreed that, while reaching populations under siege is an urgent priority, the fact remains that humanitarian access across Syria is exceptionally difficult as a result of increasing disregard by armed groups on both sides of the conflict of their obligations under International Humanitarian Law.
Minister of State Costello pledged a further €12 million in Kuwait. This additional pledge brings Ireland’s overall commitment over the period 2011 to 2014 to €26.011 million. International donors pledged US$2.3 billion of the US$6.5 billion UN Agencies are appealing for to cover lifesaving humanitarian needs of 9.3 million people in Syria and neighbouring countries. I welcome the recent announcement that €5.3 million of the €12 million pledged in Kuwait is now being disbursed by Irish Aid to provide emergency food, water, health and protection to victims of the conflict.
