Darragh O'Brien
Question:324. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will report on the recent Foreign Affairs Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2548/17]
View answerTuesday, 24 January 2017
Questions (324)
Written answers
I attended the most recent Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels on 16 January where Syria and the Middle East Peace Process were on the agenda.
This was the first meeting of the FAC this year, and Ministers had a good exchange on the opportunities and challenges facing us in the short term, and how the EU can make an active and effective contribution to international peace and security, in particular in its own neighbourhood. The Finish Foreign Minister also reported briefly on his recent visit to Turkey.
I came to Brussels directly from Paris where I participated in an important international conference on the Middle East Peace Process hosted by President Hollande. The Conference sent a clear message that the international community believes that the only sustainable solution to the conflict is a negotiated two state solution. Ministers had an informal exchange over lunch on the outcome of the Paris Conference.
The FAC also addressed the situation in Syria in light of the recent cessation of hostilities, which was broadly welcomed by Foreign Ministers, and the upcoming talks in Astana. The need for the EU to strengthen its diplomacy to revive the UN-led negotiations was discussed. I fully support the efforts of the EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, to build cooperation between the EU and the regional and international stakeholders on a way forward for Syria. Ireland and its EU partners reaffirmed our support for the central role of the United Nations in working for a political transition and peaceful settlement of the conflict in Syria. The illegal denials of humanitarian access must end.
I also had a useful discussion on the implications of Brexit with the Spanish Foreign Minister, Alfonso Dastis Quecedo, in the margins of the Council meeting.