Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

In respect of the death of Alexei Navalny, the summoning of the Russian ambassador was part of a Europe-wide co-ordinated action connected with his death, the suppression of any dissent in Russia and the manner in which he was treated by the Russian authorities that led to his death. Russia was responsible for his death. Diplomacy and diplomatic channels are about communicating the Irish position in no uncertain terms through an ambassador to his or her government. We know that Israel has communicated to our ambassador in respect of its perspective on Ireland and our position.

In light of that and of what is happening, I felt that a meeting with the Israeli ambassador in my office was the correct decision in order to allow me to communicate, in a very unambiguous and comprehensive way, why Ireland adopted the various positions it has adopted in the international courts, at the EU and the UN and in the public statements we are making. It also allowed me to stress that it is Israel's responsibility to protect Gazan civilians and make sure they have access to the basic essentials of life. We took that opportunity.

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