Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join with colleagues in welcoming the ambassador and his colleagues here. One can see from the contributions made by various members that they are only interested in peace and seeing that there is no loss of life. The only thing I found surprising about the ambassador's contribution was his surprise at the EU and US positions. Obviously the EU is deeply concerned about the violation of Ukraine's sovereignty by the Russian armed forces and breaches of the various internationally recognised agreements that are in place, such as the Budapest Memorandum on Security Assurances of 1994 and the bilateral Treaty on Friendship, Cooperation and Partnership. Does the Russian Federation or his government plan to have meaningful engagement to prevent loss of life and restore peace and stability in the region? As the ambassador will know, the Irish Government called for Russian forces to withdraw to their barracks. Will the Russian government respond positively to the request?

Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan mentioned Russia's influence on Syria. Will the ambassador comment on the apparent serious breaches of UN Security Council Resolution 2139, signed on 22 February? Even though Russia signed the resolution, it appears it is not being adhered to. There have been reports of citizens being starved to death, and an even larger humanitarian crisis has emerged in Syria.