Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail)

It is hard to know where we should go with this crisis. If what is reported in respect of Russia providing additional arms to this monstrous regime is true, it is an affront to international law. The members of the EU, led by the Tánaiste, must directly confront the Russian President and Government on that action. It is reprehensible, at the very least, that arms would be provided in a situation where they are being directed at children and women. In fact, there are reports that children are being strapped to armoured tanks. This repulses everybody who is right thinking and has a commitment to human rights and common decency.

In terms of the strategic and diplomatic approach that must be adopted to this, I agree it would probably be unwise to contemplate military intervention at this stage. Diplomacy must continue, but far greater support must be given to Mr. Annan for the implementation of his six-point plan. The EU, UN and the Arab League must work far more closely to forcefully support that plan.

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