Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 November 2017
32. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the latest crisis in Lebanon regarding the former Lebanese Prime Minister; if he has expressed his views to the Saudi Arabian embassy here regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48422/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe formation of the current Government of Lebanon in December 2016 was a very positive development after a considerable period of political stalemate, and marked an opportunity for a new beginning in addressing the challenges facing that country. Not least of these is the fact that Lebanon is host to well over a million Syrian refugees, a huge number for a small country with a population similar to that of Ireland.
Lebanon’s political system is based on ensuring balanced representation for the country’s different communities, and the Prime Minister’s role in that regard is very important. I am very concerned about allegations of threats to the life of the PM Hariri, and also by the fact that any gap in the Prime Minister role risks opening the door to renewed instability. I regret that Prime Minister Hariri has felt it necessary to submit his resignation.
Ireland has a long-standing commitment to the unity and stability of Lebanon, as evidenced by the long tradition of Irish participation in the UNIFIL peace-keeping mission. Despite the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, southern Lebanon has remained an area of relative calm since 2006, and the achievements of the UNIFIL operation and the role of our own Defence Forces in this success should not be overlooked.
When officials from my Department met with officials from the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Dublin last week, they took the opportunity to stress the need for regional stability, and the need to de-escalate tensions, instancing Ireland’s contribution to UNIFIL and UNDOF as a practical demonstration of our commitment in that regard.
I am continuing to monitor the situation in Lebanon very closely.
