Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2016
414. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the efforts he is making to stop the appalling slaughter of innocent civilians in Aleppo, Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35141/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI utterly condemn the actions by the Assad regime and its allies, including Russia, in Aleppo, and demand the immediate end to the bombardment of that city and the lifting of all restrictions on humanitarian assistance in Aleppo and across Syria.
I discussed the Syrian conflict with my EU colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday 17 October. We were joined by UN Special Envoy Steffan de Mistura. The Council adopted conclusions condemning atrocities in Syria, and in Aleppo in particular; calling for an immediate end to the bombardment of Aleppo and the protection of civilian populations across Syria; calling for an end to restrictions on the provision of humanitarian assistance and the lifting of all sieges; reaffirming the EU’s support for a political resolution to the conflict in Syria; condemning the illegal use of chemical weapons by the regime and Daesh; calling for accountability through referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court; and condemning the actions of Daesh.
I met the Russian Ambassador last month to convey my grave concerns at the appalling events in Syria and Aleppo in particular. During the meeting, I urged that Russia use all its influence to end the bombardment of Aleppo and make every effort to ensure that civilians in Syria are granted full protection of their rights. I asked Ambassador Peshkov to relay these concerns to his authorities in Moscow.
In addition, senior officials in my Department met with the Ambassador, at my direction, on two occasions to convey to him in the clearest terms Ireland’s serious concerns over the horrific situation in Syria.
I had an opportunity to discuss the Syrian conflict during my meeting with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry on 30 October. I also discussed efforts to renew the political process during my recent trip to the Gulf where I met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia Dr. Nizar bin Obaid Al Madani.
