Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 April 2015
183. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on concerns regarding the escalating situation in Yemen and the high civilian death toll that has resulted from military air strikes by the Saudi-led alliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15179/15]
View answerThe EU Foreign Affairs Council considered the situation in Yemen at its meeting in Luxembourg yesterday. At this meeting, I participated in a discussion of the deepening crisis in Yemen and how the EU can respond with my fellow Ministers and with High Representative Mogherini. We adopted conclusions which set out the EU position.
In recent weeks, a coalition of states led by Saudi Arabia has launched airstrikes in response to advances by Houthi forces and following an invitation from President Hadi. Last week, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for all parties to scrupulously respect international human rights and international humanitarian law during the conduct of hostilities. I hope that all parties involved in the conflict in Yemen answer this call.
Ireland does not have representation in Yemen, although our Embassy in Riyadh is carefully monitoring the crisis. Bearing this in mind, our ability to comment in detail on a fluid situation on the ground is constrained.
My view is nonetheless that peace talks are the optimum way to achieve a political consensus which can restore order to Yemen and avoid a protracted and sectarian conflict with implications for the future of Yemen and for the stability of the region. I would encourage all parties to engage with the UN to this end, so that a ceasefire can be agreed and a negotiated political solution found.
