Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

4. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will provide an update on Ireland’s position regarding the escalating crisis in Ukraine; if he has held discussions with the Ukrainian or Russian ambassador on this topic; if he is satisfied with the actions being taken at an European Union level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15506/14]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Russia's seizure and annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region has caused the deepest crisis in East-West relations since the Cold War, thereby leading the United States and the European Union to impose sanctions on Moscow. They have stated they will strengthen these sanctions if Russia moves beyond Crimea into eastern Ukraine. The Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, of which I am a member, had the opportunity to engage on different occasions with the ambassadors of both Ukraine and Russia. The joint committee held vigorous debates and a strong exchange of views in respect of particular issues that have arisen as a result of the illegal activity by Russia. What was the outcome of the discussions, if any, the Tánaiste or the Minister of State had with representatives of both countries?

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland has strongly condemned Russian actions from the outset of this crisis. The annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol following the illegal referendum on 16 March is a flagrant violation of international law, including some of its most fundamental norms. For its part, the Ukrainian Government is to be commended on the measured response it has shown in the face of this provocation. There is an urgent need for Moscow to take steps to de-escalate the situation and this must include engaging in serious talks with the government in Kiev without further delay. In view of the seriousness of the situation, the Tánaiste called in the Russian ambassador on 3 March to express his deep concern over Russia’s actions and asked him to convey this to his authorities in Moscow. The ambassador also met a senior official in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 19 March and again on 31 March and was informed of the Government's firm view that the referendum in Crimea was illegal and that it did not accept the outcome. Senior officials in the Department also continue to have regular contact with the ambassador of Ukraine, who has expressed his government’s appreciation for Ireland’s support and solidarity.

At the EU level, the deepening crisis in Ukraine led to the convening of two extraordinary sessions of the Foreign Affairs Council. There also was an extraordinary Heads of State and Government meeting on 6 March, as well as the European Council meeting on 20 and 21 March, which had a comprehensive discussion on developments. At the latter meeting the member states and Ukraine signed the political provisions of the association agreement with Ukraine. In addition, the Union is providing financial assistance to the new government in Kiev worth up to €11 billion. At that meeting, the EU leaders also set out a three-stage framework, of which the Deputy is aware, on measures that have been taken or which could be taken, were the situation to destabilise further.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

The first two phases, namely, suspension of talks on visas matters and a new agreement on trade, as well as travel restrictions and an asset freeze against Russian and Ukrainian officials, already have been implemented.

The conclusions adopted by the European Council on 20 and 21 March recalled that any further steps by the Russian Federation to destabilise the situation in Ukraine would entail far-reaching consequences for relations in a broad range of economic areas. In this respect, the European Council has tasked the Commission and the member states to prepare possible targeted measures. Ireland is engaged in the continuing discussions with our partners in Brussels on this matter.

The EU has a special responsibility for peace and stability in Europe. It will remain at the forefront of efforts to facilitate and engage in a meaningful dialogue involving Ukraine and Russia, including through the establishment of a multilateral mechanism, with a view to finding a political solution.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I will come back to the Minister of State.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. I have stated in this House previously, as has my party leader, Deputy Martin, that Fianna Fáil fully supports the Government's position in condemning the illegal actions by Russia. We believe the decision by the European Council to extend the list of persons subject to sanctions was a reasonable reaction. It is welcome that at least, the European Union is working together on this issue. Moreover, the propaganda that has been put out by the Russian authorities and the Russian Government on a constant basis must be counteracted. The message again must be put across clearly that the referendum that was held was completely illegitimate. Are there further proposals by the European Union to have further meetings or discussions at Council of Ministers or Heads of Government and State level or with other international blocs such as with the United States, NATO or with whatever international organisation with which it believes it should be engaged on the concerns about the Russian build-up, as well as the concerns about possible action being taken in eastern Ukraine?

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for his question. An informal meeting of foreign affairs Ministers will take place tomorrow and on Saturday morning. The main subject for discussion tomorrow is Ukraine and the situation that is taking place in the region. Shortly thereafter, within the next two weeks, there will be a meeting of the foreign affairs Ministers of the European Union at the Foreign Affairs Council, within which I again expect the situation in Ukraine, in Crimea and in the neighbouring region will be the subject and focus of discussion. All of this will take place within the framework that has already been identified. We are now in phase 2 of the framework, where measures against individuals have been put in place, as well as a broader set of measures pertaining to relations between Russia and individual member states and the European Union. I again emphasise it has been made clear that the situation will be reviewed were a further escalation of the situation to occur.

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. One of the most recent comments I have heard in this regard was that approximately 40,000 Russian soldiers were deployed on the Ukrainian border, which could pose a particular threat to southern and eastern Ukraine.

Further Russian intervention would be a historic mistake. We hope these difficult but important issues can be resolved without the need for further sanctions. We all know how trade sanctions will affect the tentative economic recovery worldwide. Decisions must be taken if someone rides roughshod over people's rights. We hope it will be possible to avoid moving to stage 3 sanctions. The EU must send a clear message that it will stand up for the rights of small states and of people to keep their territorial integrity without interference.

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

States have the right to have their borders protected by international law and their people have the right to make decisions in accordance with domestic and international law. It is in Ireland's national interests that those international laws and values are upheld and articulated. We have argued, and the EU has recognised, that the response to what is already a historic mistake and crisis should be careful and deliberate. The Deputy referred to some of the other consequences that could arise. We are aware of the loss of human life, the violation of international law, of the huge difficulty the state of Ukraine is in. I emphasise it is important that the state of Ukraine put in place an inclusive government in accordance with domestic and international law that recognises the rights of all groups and minorities in their own territory.

Michael Kitt (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The next question is in the name of Deputy Crowe and as he is not present it cannot be taken.