Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2024
46. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs for a report on his attendance at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on 22 January 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3004/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn 22 January, I attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where the Council’s discussion focused on Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East. The Council agenda featured detailed exchanges and engagements with the Ukrainian Foreign Minister, as well as with the Israeli, Saudi Arabian, Egyptian, Jordanian and Palestinian Foreign Ministers, and the Secretary General of the League of Arab States.
This high-level engagement from representatives across the region allowed me, my EU counterparts, and the EU High Representative, Josep Borrell, to hear the full range of regional perspectives on the situation in the Middle East. In the discussions, I restated Ireland’s priorities; civilians in Gaza urgently need a humanitarian ceasefire, the hostages need to be immediately and unconditionally released, and we need a significant and sustained increase in humanitarian aid and access. I also underlined the need for international humanitarian law to be upheld. I highlighted the need for de-escalation in the West Bank, and for accountability for the actions of violent settlers against Palestinian communities, including though EU sanctions.
The only sustainable solution to this horrible conflict is a political pathway, leading to a two-state solution and this is something I strongly emphasised to both the Israeli and Palestinian Foreign Ministers. I was encouraged by the focus in the discussions with Arab Foreign Ministers on their thinking on the need for a comprehensive political and peace plan, with a Palestinian state as a central component.
The discussion on Ukraine took account of the historic decisions we took in December regarding the opening of accession talks with Ukraine and the adoption of the 12th package of sanctions against Russia, and I underlined the need to press forward with further measures, and we agreed to progress work on windfall revenues arising from immobilised Russian assets. The abhorrent attacks carried out by Russia in recent weeks show that they are determined to continue to escalate their war, demonstrating the critical need for unity and further action amongst EU Members State in our clear, strong and resolute support for Ukraine.
