Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 23 June 2016
196. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the actions he has taken in 2016 at the European Union, United Nations and other international bodies to support moves to bring the wars in Syria and Iraq to an end; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17843/16]
View answerI have repeatedly discussed the conflicts in Syria and Iraq as well as the threat of terrorism at the EU since the start of this year.
The January Foreign Affairs Council discussed the situation in Syria and EU support for the UN-led negotiations. The Syrian conflict was also discussed at the February Council and the May Council adopted conclusions on Syria, Iraq and Daesh, as well as approving a comprehensive review of the EU’s regional strategy on Syria, Iraq and Daesh.
Ireland spoke at the March and June debates at UN Human Rights Council Sessions on the situation in Syria.
I have repeatedly made clear Ireland’s continued and strong support for political solutions to the conflicts in Syria and Iraq. I remain strongly of the view that any viable political solution must be based on the principles of the 2012 Geneva Communique, and support the need for a political transition based on the formation of an inclusive transitional Governing body and a full end of violence and the legal accountability for the victims of the conflict.
