Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 October 2016
335. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the position regarding the EU Council meeting on 17 October 2016; the issues that were discussed; the actions that will be taken following the Council meeting. [31514/16]
View answerI attended the most recent Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels on the 17th of October where Syria, the EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy, Tunisia and migration were discussed.
The ongoing conflict in Syria is causing untold human suffering and displacement. At the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Ireland and the EU strongly condemned the excessive and disproportionate attacks by the regime and its allies against civilians. Ministers also called on Russia to demonstrate all efforts to halt indiscriminate bombing by the Syrian regime, restore a cessation of hostilities, ensure immediate humanitarian access and create the conditions for a credible and inclusive political transition. This is critical to save the lives of Syrian citizens, particularly those who remain in Aleppo. Ministers were also united that the situation in Syria should be referred to the International Criminal Court in order to ensure legal accountability for the victims of the unspeakable crimes that have been committed against them. I believe that the only viable and sustainable way forward remains a comprehensive end to violence and a Syrian-own and Syrian-led political resolution, based on a real political transition process. That remains my objective and that of the EU, and is reflected in the conclusions adopted by the FAC.
Ministers also exchanged views on the follow up to and implementation of the EU Global Strategy (EUGS). I stressed the need to carry forward work on each of the elements of the Strategy – including our approach to resolution of conflicts and crises - in an integrated way. I also welcomed the commitment in the Strategy to continue to mainstream human rights; women, peace and security and gender equality in EU policies. These two important elements were reflected in the Conclusions adopted by EU Foreign Ministers. The security and defence aspects of the Strategy will be presented to Foreign and Defence Ministers at the November FAC meeting. This will focus on enhancing the EU's peace-keeping capacity in support of the United Nations through the further development of the Common Security and Defence Policy as defined in the Lisbon Treaty.
The Council discussed progress in implementing the EU response to the migration crisis. The EU has made a lot of progress in the past 18 months; however, this needs to be complemented by a more determined and coherent effort to address the root causes of recent mass migration to Europe. Strengthening our collective capacity to promote and protect human rights, development cooperation, conflict resolution and global governance externally will help build societies that are more responsive to their citizens' needs. The discussion will help to prepare the next European Council meetings.
I joined Ministers in supporting the transition underway in Tunisia. The EU aims to provide support to Tunisia through a balanced package of financial and non-financial measures and high-level and ambitious political dialogue. Council conclusions reflecting the commitment of the EU to Tunisia were also adopted.
