Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 March 2018
155. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he and his EU colleagues have contacted their Turkish counterparts to request the immediate cessation of hostilities and withdrawal of Turkish forces from Kurdish cities and towns in north west Syria, in particular Idlib province; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13604/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe conflict in Syria, and the destabilising impact it has had on the wider region, remain a source of deep concern. Clearly, a comprehensive, inclusive political solution to the conflict is urgently needed, both to end the suffering of the Syrian people and to prevent any further turmoil in the Middle East.
Ireland fully supports the UN-led political negotiations to end the conflict based on the 2012 Geneva Communique and UN Security Council resolution 2254. The EU provides direct assistance to the UN-led Geneva peace talks and has launched, in coordination with the UN, an initiative to develop political dialogue with key actors from the region to identify common ground.
Ireland strongly welcomed the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 2401 calling for an immediate ceasefire and unhindered humanitarian access on 24 February. Ireland regrets that this has not yet been implemented and calls on the international community to redouble efforts to ensure the immediate and full implementation.
I am particularly concerned by the impact of the recent fighting in the Afrin region, including the displacement of over 100,000 civilians. Officials from my Department met with the Turkish Ambassador to Ireland in early February shortly after the commencement of the Turkish operation. They conveyed Ireland’s overarching concern for the protection of civilians, including in the context of this particular operation, and urged caution to avoid escalating the conflict any further.
Ireland understands Turkey’s concern about the conflict raging on its southern border. Turkey has borne a heavy burden in terms of knock-on effects of the conflict, including in terms of migration and spill-over of violence. However, our primary concern is for the safety and well-being of civilians on both sides of the border, especially displaced and vulnerable communities.
I call on all parties to exercise restraint in order to avoid any further exacerbation of this already fragile situation and to cooperate in the effort to find a political solution under UN auspices which alone can bring lasting peace to Syria.
