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International Relations

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2021

Thursday, 24 June 2021

Questions (130)

Dara Calleary

Question:

130. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the ongoing developments in Belarus; Ireland’s response to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33696/21]

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Written answers

Repression in Belarus has intensified since the fraudulent election last year and there has been a further deterioration in the human rights situation in the country with massive crackdowns against political dissidents, human rights defenders, civil society organisations and minorities (including the Polish community).

Ireland believes a strong, coordinated international response is needed to show Belarus, and others, that actions such as the forced diversion of a flight cannot and be taken with impunity.

On 21 June Foreign Ministers met in Luxembourg to discuss the ongoing situation in Belarus and the EU’s response. A fourth package of targeted sanctions against 78 individuals and 8 entities was adopted, targeting those behind the repression, those responsible for the forced landing of a Ryanair flight in Minsk and several prominent business figures, who support and benefit from the Lukashenko regime. Ministers have also agreed on sectors to be targeted by the economic sanctions and work is underway to implement that agreement.  

By these actions we are sending a strong signal to those supporting this regime - their continuous support for Lukashenko comes at a substantial cost. At the same time, Ireland and the EU stand ready to support a peaceful, democratic transition. This is why the European Commission has prepared a very ambitious comprehensive plan of up to €3bn in economic support for a democratic Belarus.

We will continue monitoring closely developments in Belarus and the EU will not shy away from taking further action in the near future including on other economic actors and sectors if the situation in Belarus does not improve.

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