Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2015
15. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the war in Syria; and the discussions he or his departmental officials have had with other Governments on the war and the military intervention by the various international powers and whether the Irish Government is supporting these military interventions. [45312/15]
View answerEnding the conflict in Syria, which has imposed enormous burdens on neighbouring States, is critical to the stability of the Middle East region, the security and safety of the Syrian people and their neighbours.
The conflict has, effectively, been the key global foreign policy issue for Ireland, the EU and the UN for the past four years. As such, I have discussed the Syrian crisis at almost every meeting with Ireland’s international partners, bilaterally and multilaterally, since becoming Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade. These contacts are too numerous to listed here.
Ireland strongly endorses the efforts of the United Nations to renew peace negotiations based on the 2012 Geneva communique principles, in particular the ending of violence, the formation of a transitional governing body with full executive powers and a constitutional reform process which would protect Syria’s multi-ethnic and multi-sectarian character.
I welcome the announcements of 30 October and 14 November by the International Syria Support Group in Vienna, which includes the European Union and a number of EU Member States, on the launching of negotiations, the holding of elections, working for a nationwide ceasefire and supporting unimpeded humanitarian access across Syria.
I reiterated our concerns on the threat posed to international peace and security by the Syrian conflict and the threat of terrorism at meetings with our partners in EU, in my address to the UN General Assembly and to UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and at the September 2015 Summit on Countering Violent Extremism.
Security Council resolution 2249 calls upon UN Member States to take all necessary measure to prevent and suppress terrorist acts by D and Al-Nusra Front (an Al-Qaeda affiliate) in territory under Da’esh control within Syria and Iraq and to eradicate the safe haven they have established inside Syria and Iraq. Any action undertaken under this resolution must be in compliance with international law, in particular the UN Charter, as well as international human rights, refugee, and humanitarian law.
Ireland is not and will not be participating in any international military action to combat Da’esh and is not holding discussions with other States on their military actions in Syria.
