Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputies for their statements and questions. The Taoiseach has outlined his expectations for the European Council's meeting with the UN Secretary General, Mr. Guterres, and for their discussions on Covid-19, economic recovery, migration and the Euro Summit. I will now turn to the foreign policy items on the agenda of this week's European Council.

With regard to Russia, at their last meeting on 24 to 25 May, leaders held a discussion on the EU's strategic relationship with Russia. In addition to condemning recent illegal, provocative and disruptive Russian activities, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the five principles which have guided the EU's policy towards Russia since 2016. These five principles are full implementation of the Minsk agreements on the conflict in Ukraine as key to any substantial change in the relationship; strengthened relations with the eastern partnership countries and with Russia's central Asian neighbours; strengthening EU resilience to Russian threats; selective engagement with Russia when it is clearly in the EU's interest, for example, on issues such as counter-terrorism; and support for people-to-people contacts and for Russian civil society as a whole.

This approach has aided the EU in maintaining unity in its engagements with Russia. Preserving EU unity is a primary concern for Ireland. Disunity would result only in weakening our voice and would undermine our credibility, interests and values. On foot of a leaders' request at the main meeting, the EU's external action service and the European Commission have produced a joint report in line with these principles. Ireland agrees with its analysis that relations with Russia are unlikely to improve in the short term. However, it is important we explore paths which could help the current dynamics gradually into a more predictable and stable relationship.

Ireland will also continue to utilise its bilateral contacts with Russia in support of the overall EU approach. The Minister, Deputy Coveney, spoke with his Russian counterpart, the foreign minister, Mr. Lavrov, on 17 May. They discussed a range of bilateral and UN Security Council-related issues. In that conversation, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, raised the EU's concerns around human rights and the oppression of minorities.

With regard to Turkey, the discussions on relations between the EU and Turkey and the situation in the eastern Mediterranean follows from leaders' discussions by videoconference in March. At that meeting, it was agreed the EU-Turkey relationship could be developed in a phased, proportionate and reversible manner, provided Turkey sustained its de-escalation in the eastern Mediterranean and adopted a constructive attitude.

This week, the European Council will assess the situation. Since the March meeting of the European Council, Turkey has largely refrained from its previous provocative behaviour, such as drilling in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey has also engaged bilaterally with Greece at senior levels. However, Turkey's relationship with Cyprus remains much more complex. Turkey has unacceptably continued to call for a two-state solution and has continued its construction works in Varosha in northern Cyprus.

The rule of law and human rights situation in Turkey continues to be of concern. From Ireland's perspective, there is justification for maintaining a degree of positive momentum, if possible, including through continued co-operation with Turkey on migration. It is important we continue to support the 4 million refugees in Turkey and their host communities. Basic humanitarian needs, education and healthcare will remain key priorities for future funding. However, hand in hand, we will continue to seek concrete steps to improve the human rights situation and the rule of law in Turkey and to express solidarity with Cyprus.

Although the situation in Belarus was not formally included on the agenda, leaders are expected to return to the situation there. This was subject to extensive discussion in May, when the European Council agreed on concrete steps to protect our citizens, including introducing new sanctions calling on airlines to avoid Belarusian airspace and commencing work to ban Belarusian airlines form EU airspace. These measures are now either in place or will shortly be so. Ireland supported the opening of an independent investigation into the incident at a special meeting of the International Civil Aviation Organization held on 27 May and this is now under way.

Ireland has serious concerns for the welfare of Roman Protasevich and Sofia Sapega, concerns which have grown in light of the so called confessions which have been released. We continue to call for their immediate and unconditional release. The overall situation in Belarus remains grave and violations of human rights continue on a regular basis. Ireland will continue to highlight these violations and work with its international partners to ensure those responsible are held accountable. Ireland will take an active role on this issue at the current session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.

On 1 June, this House unanimously supported a Government motion condemning the actions of the Lukashenko regime and expressing strong support for the Belarusian people. It is important we continue to keep this issue high on the international agenda and in doing so, demonstrate the ongoing support of Ireland and the EU for civil society in Belarus.

In addition to the issues I have outlined, leaders may also raise other current external relations issues. The agenda for this week's meeting at the European Council is being discussed by EU affairs ministers at the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg today. The Minister of State, Deputy Byrne, is representing Ireland at that meeting.

I wish to thank the Members for their active participation in this debate and the Taoiseach will fully report to the House, following the European Council meeting next week.

See this speech in context