Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 April 2015
344. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on his meeting with other European Union Foreign Affairs Ministers in Luxembourg on 20 April 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16224/15]
View answerI participated in the most recent meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers in Luxemburg on 20 April where discussion focused on Libya, the EU’s relations with Latin America and the Caribbean, the situation in Yemen, and the recent negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme. The Council also received a presentation from the High Representative on her intention to carry out a Strategic Review of the European Security Strategy.
The Council provided an important opportunity for Ministers to discuss the fluid situation on the ground in Libya, and consider how the EU can best respond to the evolving crisis. The Council expressed its continued support for the UN brokered talks on Libya, and the efforts of the United Nations Secretary General’s Special Representative, Bernardino León, to reach agreement on a government of national unity and a sustainable ceasefire. Our meeting also discussed what steps the EU could take to support a government of national unity, should the ongoing UN facilitated talks succeed. The issue of migration was dealt with at a separate joint meeting of EU Foreign Affairs and Interior Ministers which took place on 20 April.
The Council had a strategic discussion on the EU's relationship with Latin America and the Caribbean. I took the opportunity to raise the importance which Ireland places on engaging with Latin America, a region with whom we share close ties. I also noted the importance of evolving EU-Latin America cooperation in line with developments in both continents, and continuing to engage with Latin American countries on global issues such as climate change, disarmament, and the post-2015 development agenda. The Council also discussed the major political changes which are taking place in Latin America. These include the process of modernisation in Cuba. We received a report from the High Representative on her recent visit, and an update on the negotiations towards an EU Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement with Cuba. I noted that such an Agreement, which places human rights at its core, will buttress the reform process in Cuba. The Council also welcomed recent advances in Cuba-US relations. Ministers also discussed the peace process in Colombia, and how we can assist in bringing it to a successful and lasting conclusion. I noted the importance of the peace process for the advancement of human rights in Colombia, which is at the centre of our own policy towards Colombia.
Ministers discussed recent developments with regard to negotiations on the Iranian nuclear programme. I took the opportunity to welcome the agreement in principle reached between representatives of the international community and the Government of Iran in Lausanne on 2 April, and to urge all responsible parties to support this agreement and the work of their governments to finally bring it to a successful conclusion. I also expressed my appreciation to the High Representative and the Foreign Ministers of the states which participated in the negotiations for the seriousness and intent with which they pursued a diplomatic solution to this difficult issue over a long period, and in particular over the past two years.
The Council engaged in a useful discussion of the deepening crisis in Yemen and the need for all parties to engage with the United Nations so that the Yemeni transition can get back on track. This is urgently needed so that the humanitarian, economic and security crises in the country can be addressed.
Finally, the High Representative made a presentation to the Council regarding her intention to prepare an assessment of the changed global environment for consideration at the European Council in June. This is the first phase in a process to draft a new European Foreign Policy and Security Strategy, in full consultation with the Member States. Given the changes in the international environment since the previous Strategy was prepared in 2003, including the situation on the EU’s borders both to the East and the South, it is appropriate that such a review be undertaken and I expressed my support for this initiative.
Separately, I participated with my colleague the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald TD, in an extraordinary joint meeting of EU Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs Ministers to discuss the issue of migration in the Mediterranean called in response to recent tragic events. Minister Fitzgerald and I joined with our EU colleagues in expressing our horror at the recent events, and in reiterating our determination to take collective action to protect vulnerable migrants. We also noted that Ireland strongly shares the concern of our EU and Southern partners and agrees that solutions must be found jointly to address a humanitarian crisis on this scale. These solutions must address the human safety and organised crime aspects of this crisis. We noted also the importance of addressing the root causes which contribute to the migratory pressures. The EU's response to the current crisis in the Mediterranean was further considered further at a meeting of EU leaders on 23 April 2015.
