Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The ambassador has heard the consensus of the committee. Members did not say anything with animosity but made helpful interventions that were in no way aggressive towards Ukraine, Russia or Crimea. The members have a long history and knowledge of the geographical region. I wish to state that it would be a huge tragedy of worldwide proportions if negotiations broke down and ended in hostilities. That would lead to greater bloodshed, so it behoves everybody involved - Ukraine, Crimea and Russia - to have regard for world peace and the need to ensure that whatever is done from here on in does not in any way aggravate an already sensitive situation. Past experiences have shown that when situations such as this occur, it is far better to resolve them through diplomatic intervention and negotiations rather than in a different way. People may not readily recognise that there are consequences for the region, including Ukraine, Crimea and Russia, in the event that this issue is not satisfactorily resolved. Russia is a more open economy now than it has ever been in the past 150 years. It has established important trade links worldwide, and links have been established between Russia and the rest of Europe, and globally, that are mutually beneficial. It would be very sad if lasting damage was done to the economies of Russia, Europe, Ukraine and Crimea in the course of finding a solution.

Nobody here agrees with aggressive re-nationalisation, or whatever the case may be. It is okay if people wish to go in a particular direction and embrace a different tradition as long as it is done through diplomatic channels, and we must revere, respect and protect that right. If all these things are lost and the crisis escalates, there will be more serious consequences for everybody involved that will not so easily be resolved. It is with that in mind that we should all - members have expressed this wish - ensure that what happens is within our immediate influence and is our preferred option. We must always remember that with strength and power there is a need for magnanimity, a lesson that we have learned from past generations. There is a long list of questions and I look forward to hearing the ambassador's response. There is a time problem, but he will have enough time to answer.