Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 16 May 2012
72 Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on the situation in Syria in particular with reference to the operation and reports of the UN monitors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24477/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am gravely concerned at the current situation in Syria, against a backdrop of escalating violence and the continued difficulties in ensuring adherence to the 12 April ceasefire and promoting full compliance by all sides with the six-point peace plan of UN/Arab League Joint Special Envoy, Kofi Annan. The situation was one of the major items discussed at the Foreign Affairs Council on 14 May which I attended. The Council expressed its deep concern about the continuing violence, including recent deadly bomb attacks such as that which claimed an estimated 55 lives in Damascus on 10 May. The Council also recalled its full support for the Annan peace plan, welcomed the progress to date in deployment of members of the UN Supervision Mission to Syria (UNSMIS) and urged continued prompt deployment of the full mission totalling 300 observers. The Council also recalled the responsibility of the Syrian government for both the safety and security of UNSMIS personnel as well as for ensuring the full and fast deployment of the mission and its effective operation.
The Annan peace plan represents the only realistic option at present for ending the current wave of violence and promoting a peaceful political transition within Syria. Ireland and its EU partners emphasize the need for full and immediate compliance by the Syrian government with its obligations under the Annan Plan. In particular, there must be an end to all shelling and full withdrawal of troops and heavy weapons from population centres, a release of political detainees and an end to ongoing human rights violations. All sides must desist from violence of any kind and commit to full support for the Plan. The fullest and earliest deployment of UNSMIS is essential to international efforts to bring the violence to an end and to promote full implementation of the Plan. Ireland is proud to be contributing personnel to this Mission, the Government having decided on 24 April to contribute up to six military observers to serve with it. The Irish contingent of six was deployed to Syria on 11 May.
Currently, approximately one hundred of the Mission's total strength of 300 military observers, as authorised in UN Security Council Resolution 2043, have been deployed in Syria along with a civilian component of 49 civilian staff. Observer teams have been established in cities such as Homs, Deraa, and Hama which have been the scenes of major conflict and shelling. The principal obstacles confronting UNSMIS in its deployment to date relate to the provision of air assets, ensuring full safety of the observers in light of the highly volatile security situation as well as the unacceptable attempts by the Syrian government to influence the composition of the Mission by a selective approach to the granting of entry visas. I am particularly concerned at incidents such as the attack which took place on a Syrian Army convoy accompanying a UNSMIS observer team (including the Norwegian Force Commander) which was visiting Deraa on 9 May; this attack resulted in serious injuries to a number of Syrian soldiers. Incidents of this kind which involve the targeting of UN peace-keepers are completely unacceptable.
The UN is working towards full deployment of UNSMIS by the end of May. The recent increase in the level of violence underlines the severity of the challenges faced by the Mission. However, we are resolved, with our EU partners, to continue to offer the fullest support to UNSMIS and to Special Envoy Annan in their efforts to promote a peaceful settlement.
