Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 May 2014
50. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the issues discussed at the EU Foreign Affairs Council Meeting of 12 May 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22030/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, my colleague the Minister of State for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe T.D. attended the most recent Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) in Brussels on 12 May. The Council agenda covered many key policy issues and important Conclusions were reached on a number of areas. While the situation in the Ukraine and relations with Russia continue to dominate the European agenda and were again the focus of intense discussions at this FAC, in my response I propose to address in the first instance, some of the other important items that were discussed and agreed by the Council.
In short opening remarks, High Representative (HR) Ashton provided Ministers with a brief update on the recent legislative elections in Iraq, as well as the forthcoming round of nuclear talks with Iran. HR Ashton also raised the appalling incidents of recent weeks in Nigeria – notably the abductions of over 200 schoolgirls by Boko Haram – and the Council later adopted robust Conclusions denouncing these events. Ireland strongly supports these Conclusions and condemns unreservedly violent activities against all Nigerians, and particularly against children.
There was a short debate at the FAC on the status of the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP) and Conclusions were adopted. Ireland's position of support for a two-State solution is well known. While there still remains even a slim prospect of reviving the current talks process, then the EU needs to offer its full support and encouragement. However, we cannot lose sight of the continuing serious deterioration on the ground and I firmly believe that all sides need to reflect seriously on what their underlying objectives are, and how they can contribute to bringing about that negotiated two-State solution. I look forward to an early opportunity to engaging in a more substantive discussion on the MEPP at a forthcoming FAC meeting.
Over lunch, Ministers were joined by Commissioner Fule for an orientation discussion on the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP). The interventions were wide-ranging and the discussions drew on many of the previous exchanges on related issues, including discussions at the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Athens at the beginning of April. It is evident that events in both Eastern and Southern Neighbourhoods of the European Union present new challenges, and we must reflect as to how ENP can be made more responsive to these developments, taking full account of the particular circumstances of individual countries in the neighbourhood.
Two items were also adopted (without discussion) on issues of particular importance to Ireland; the EU Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline, and the EU’s Comprehensive Approach to External Conflicts. The EU Guidelines on Freedom of Expression Online and Offline are most welcome as they will be an important resource for officials and staff of EU institutions and EU Member States in the work of the EU to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression. Ireland is a consistent supporter of freedom of expression and we have prioritised this issue through our activities at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, and in our engagement in the development of these Guidelines.
The adoption of Council Conclusions on the EU’s Comprehensive Approach to External Conflicts is to be equally welcomed. The Comprehensive Approach seeks to ensure that the EU and its Member States deal with international crises in a coherent and consistent manner drawing on all the policies and tools available to them and Ireland has been a strong supporter of this initiative.
Finally then, I would like to turn to the discussion on Ukraine. As I will detail in my separate reply to the Deputy’s specific Parliamentary Question No. 51 (22031/14) on these discussions, there was an extensive exchange of views, and Conclusions were adopted. These Conclusions reaffirm the European Union’s support for Ukraine’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and call upon the Russian Federation to do likewise. The Council expressed alarm at the continued efforts by pro-Russian separatists to destabilise Eastern and Southern Ukraine and was clear that the EU would not recognise the illegitimate and illegal “referenda” in Donetsk and Luhansk.
The Council reiterated the EU’s strong condemnation of the illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol in March and regretted the presence of President Putin at the military parade in Sevastopol on 9 May. Ministers welcomed the Commission’s evaluation of the legal consequences of the annexation of Crimea and looked forward to the swift implementation of its proposals.
Ministers were briefed by the President of Switzerland, Didier Burkhalter, in his capacity as Chair-in-Office of the OSCE on the critically important activities of that organisation aimed at stabilising the situation on the ground. The Council welcomed the presentation of proposals by the OSCE Chairmanship for a de-escalation of the crisis.
The Council conclusions express the EU’s strong support for the holding of free and fair Ukrainian Presidential elections on 25 May, allowing the Ukrainian people to choose their own future. Ireland will be sending a team of election monitors under the auspices of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
The Council also tasked the European External Action Service to work on elements for a possible civilian CSDP Mission in the field of civilian security sector reform, including policing and rule of law.
In light of the recent developments and in the absence of any steps towards de-escalation, the Council agreed to expand the criteria allowing individuals and entities to be subject to visa ban and asset freeze and moved to impose sanctions against a further thirteen named individuals as well as two energy companies in Crimea.
