Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

What one has to take into account here is the intention, objective and mentality of President Putin. He invaded Crimea and took it over, although there has not been a word about that since. There has been destabilisation in eastern Ukraine and pressure on a number of other states in that region. In fact, at the European Union meeting in Bratislava two weeks ago, concern was expressed about the lack of a European Union policy on the eastern Balkan states in the context of the pressure and influence they are coming under from Russia. Clearly, Russia is looking for ports on the Syrian coast. There are many indicators to suggest that President Putin intends to restore, for want of a better word, the reputation and influence of Russia in the Middle East. Syria was its last hold. Russia's support, along with that of Iran, for the Assad regime has resulted in this humanitarian catastrophe.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade spoke to Mr. Ban Ki-moon in New York recently at the UN. The latter has condemned unreservedly the recent attack on the humanitarian convoy and the death of aid workers. I also spoke to the US Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, last weekend. As Deputy Martin knows, the United States has broken off discussions with Russia because the latter has not lived up to the agreement the two countries had. Maybe that is what Russia wants in order that Aleppo comes more into focus to be completely obliterated. The Deputy is right about the cluster bombs and bunker bombs that are now being used.

This matter was discussed at the European Council but we are not going to have a European army. Some countries want to send in more assistance. Other countries, like ourselves, are neutral and will remain so but are clearly concerned about the humanitarian issues for the women, men and children of Syria. It is a very complicated geopolitical process but I assure the House that the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Flanagan, made it perfectly clear to the Russian ambassador just how strongly this country feels about what is happening before our eyes in Aleppo.

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