Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 September 2014
1213. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at all European Union Foreign Affairs Council meetings since mid July; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34668/14]
View answerI have attended two European Union Foreign Affairs Council meetings since mid-July, as follows:
22 July, Brussels – scheduled Foreign Affairs Council meeting;
and 15 August, Brussels – extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.
Discussions at both meetings were dominated by the ongoing crises in the EU’s Southern and Eastern Neighbourhoods.
At the July Council meeting, there was a wide-ranging exchange of views on developments in Ukraine, particularly in the context of the downing of the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17, and the tragic loss of life that resulted. At the Council, Ministers observed a minute’s silence in tribute to the victims. Conclusions were adopted that called upon separatist groups to ensure full, immediate, safe and secure access to the crash site and the surrounding area. The Conclusions further supported the establishment of a full, transparent and independent international investigation into these events. In my intervention, I noted that Ireland strongly supported the call for a full investigation as set out in UN Security Council Resolution 2166 and that this tragic incident underlined the pressing need to bring the conflict in Eastern Ukraine to an end.
The Council also agreed to accelerate the preparation of the expanded restrictive measures outlined by the European Council on 16 July, targeting individuals supporting or benefitting from Russian decision-makers responsible for the destabilisation of Eastern Ukraine. The Council also asked the Commission and the European External Action Service to present proposals for targeted sectoral measures against the Russian Federation on access to capital markets, defense, dual-use goods and sensitive technologies, including in the energy sector. Decisions based on these proposals were subsequently adopted and entered into force on 31 July. In addition, the Council established the EU Advisory Mission for Civilian Security Sector Reform Ukraine.
At the July Council, we also had an extensive exchange on the recent developments in the Middle East. Ministers expressed their concern for the escalation of violence in Gaza and condemned the tragic loss of life on both sides. The discussion focussed on the prospects of securing a ceasefire and the need to get the broader peace process back on track. Along with my ministerial colleagues I called on the parties to resume meaningful negotiations with the aim of achieving a comprehensive peace agreement based on a two state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the 1967 borders.
An extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council was convened in August in response to the dramatically deteriorating situation on the ground in Iraq and Ukraine.
Ministers, joined by UN Special Representative Nikolay Mladenov, had an in-depth discussion on Iraq and strong Council Conclusions were agreed. These Conclusions articulated a commitment to Iraq’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as expressing deep concern both about the dire humanitarian situation, and the deteriorating security situation. I joined with my colleagues in condemning in the strongest possible terms the atrocities which had taken place in recent weeks, especially, though not exclusively, against vulnerable minority populations such as Christians and the Yazidi people. I further emphasised Ireland’s commitment to the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq.
A critical dimension of the discussions that took place was the issue of responding to the urgent requests by the Kurdish authorities for military support. Along with a number of other EU partners I intervened to ensure that the Council Conclusions which were agreed fully reflected and respected the individual legal and political positions of Member States in responding to such requests.
The situation in Gaza was also discussed. Council Conclusions expressing deep concern for the fragile situation on the ground were agreed. Through these Conclusions we also reiterated the EU’s full support for Egyptian efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire. In addition, I also called for a more active role on the part of the EU in working to promote the resumption of substantive peace negotiations and in supporting any comprehensive agreement that is eventually concluded.
On Ukraine, Ministers expressed their concern at the worsening crisis in the Eastern part of the country, and the deteriorating humanitarian situation. The Council Conclusions agreed emphasised the need to find a politically sustainable solution to the crisis and encouraged the continuation of inclusive and comprehensive reforms in Ukraine. I along with my EU colleagues called for an immediate de-escalation and the resumption of dialogue to find a peaceful resolution to the situation.
Regarding the targeted measures in place against the Russian Federation at that time, Ministers agreed that the grounds for these measures remained valid. It was also agreed that the EU would remain engaged in the assessment of these measures, with the option to consider further steps in light of the evolution of the situation on the ground. As the Deputy may be aware, enhanced sanctions were subsequently adopted and are now in force.
At the August Council meeting, Ministers also had a discussion on the Ebola outbreak in West Africa, adopting short Conclusions. These Conclusions expressed, on behalf of the EU, our condolences to the African governments and people affected by the outbreak.
Finally, although not a formal Council formation, I met with my EU Foreign Minister counterparts in Milan at the end of August (29-30 August) for the bi-annual informal meeting (‘Gymnich’), hosted by the Italian Presidency. Although not a decision-making formation, the ‘Gymnich’ affords an invaluable opportunity for a strategic discussion on issues of current import. On this occasion, we had an in-depth exchange on Gaza and the Middle East Peace Process, on Iraq and Syria, and on the situation in Ukraine.
