Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ireland continues to support efforts by the EU and the UN to promote a political resolution of the current conflict in both Syria and Iraq. We have repeatedly stressed that only a political solution can achieve a sustainable peace in Syria. We will also continue to address the humanitarian consequences of the conflict and provide urgent assistance and support to the civilian populations within Syria and Iraq who have been displaced or suffered violations of their rights at the hands of ISIS and other extremists.

Ireland is working to support the efforts led by the UN special envoy, Staffan di Mistura, to promote a political resolution based on the Geneva principles and which provides for transition to an agreed, democratic form of government and the holding of genuinely free national elections in Syria. Mr. di Mistura discussed measures to address the acute security and humanitarian situation, as well as possible steps to move towards a political process, with foreign Ministers in Brussels at a December 2014 meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.

The EU is the main donor of humanitarian relief in Syria, having provided a total of €3 billion since the outset of the conflict. Ireland has already provided almost €29 million in humanitarian support to Syria since 2011, delivered through UN partners and NGOs, and I have recently approved a further €1.8 million in funding to UNICEF and UNHCR to support refugees and child victims of the conflict. In addition, we have provided €1.15 million in funding to our partner organisations responding to the crisis in neighbouring Iraq. Ireland has consistently advocated for safe and unimpeded humanitarian access, as well as for respect by all parties of international humanitarian law.

Last week, during my visit to the Middle East region, I had the opportunity to meet in Beirut with Ireland’s honorary consul in Syria and he briefed me on developments there.

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