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

1. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Ireland’s position on the deteriorating situation in the Ukraine; if he has had contact with his Russian counterpart on this matter; if he will provide an update on the discussions he has had about the incursion into Irish airspace by Russian military aircraft; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8340/15]

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

We have all witnessed the horrific loss of life and displacement of people in the Ukraine. I hope the long-awaited truce that took hold on Wednesday in eastern Ukraine will hold. As a sovereign Parliament, we should send a clear message that the sovereignty of the Ukraine must be respected. Has the Minister conveyed such sentiments to the Russian authorities and can he assure us that he will convey this message at the EU Foreign Affairs Council? Russian aggression cannot be tolerated.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The EU has been at the forefront of international efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, and Ireland has participated actively in shaping the Union’s approach. An agreement was reached in Minsk on 12 February on a new peace deal aimed at ending the ten-month conflict in eastern Ukraine. The declaration agreed in Minsk by Chancellor Merkel, President Hollande, President Putin and President Poroschenko, and the package of measures signed by the parties to the conflict, provide for a ceasefire in and the withdrawal of heavy weapons from eastern Ukraine. The package also contains a timetable for the implementation of key parts of the September Minsk agreements, including local elections and securing Ukraine’s border with Russia. I welcome and fully support the 12 February peace agreement which provides the basis for a comprehensive resolution of the crisis. It is vital that the parties to the agreement abide by the commitments to which they have signed up.

The ceasefire came into effect at midnight on 14 February. Unfortunately, despite agreeing to a truce, Russian-backed separatists continued a full-scale assault on Debaltseve and forced Ukrainian troops to withdraw from the town, which is now in rebel hands. I strongly condemn the assault on Debaltseve. It is a major breach of the ceasefire and threatens to undermine the deal brokered in Minsk on 12 February. The rebels indicated last weekend a readiness to begin pulling back their heavy weapons from the contact line. A significant number of prisoners have also been exchanged.

I have not discussed the situation in Ukraine with the Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov. My French and German colleagues, however, have been in regular contact with him in the lead-up to the negotiation of the Minsk agreement and subsequently. They have highlighted the need for Russia to use its considerable influence over the rebels to ensure full compliance with their obligations under the 12 February agreement. EU member states have been kept informed of these exchanges, including at the informal meeting of EU Heads of State and Government on 12 February.

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

I welcome the work that President Hollande and Chancellor Merkel have done in getting agreement to a ceasefire but, as I have stated previously, the Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy should be leading these discussions on behalf of the 28 member states of the EU. The Minister was correct to condemn the assault on Debaltseve. Concerns have been expressed that the city of Mariupol may be the next flashpoint. If difficulties arise in that regard, it will mean the end of the Minsk peace plan. I hope that does not occur. It is important that the European Union continues to play an active role in seeking an end to the hostilities, the displacement of people and the needless loss of life that have occurred in Ukraine over the past 12 months.

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I agree with Deputy Smith's condemnation of the unacceptable levels of violence, destruction and displacement. Deplorable violence and suffering have been inflicted on thousands of innocent civilians over many months, and we are now facing a very serious humanitarian crisis in the region. The European Union has led the way in providing urgently needed support to the local populations in the affected areas and discussions continue regarding what more can be done in that regard. The European Commission has thus far allocated a sum in excess of €25 million in humanitarian assistance, with a further €15 million pledged for 2015. There is also awareness that the longer-term reconstruction of areas of eastern Ukraine will need to be a focus for EU support in the region. A co-ordinated effort will be required if we are to ensure these supports are as effective as possible.

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

Has the Minister engaged in discussions with his counterparts in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway, all of whom have publicly expressed concern about potential Russian aggression on their borders? In regard to encroachment on Irish-controlled airspace, I understand the Minister directed one of his senior officials to convey directly to the Russian ambassador the concerns of the Government and Irish people. Has he received a response from the Russian Government in regard to these concerns about illegal activity by Russian military aircraft?

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In regard to my engagement with EU colleagues in the region, including in particular Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Bulgaria and Romania, these matters are discussed on an ongoing basis at EU Foreign Affairs Council meetings. I am fully briefed by my colleagues in the area who have expressed serious concerns about the ongoing situation in their neighbourhood.

In regard to the presence of Russian aircraft in Irish-controlled airspace, on 28 January and 18 February Russian military aircraft were in an area in respect of which the Irish Aviation Authority has responsibility for the provision, operation and management of air navigation services and civil aviation.

The Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has relayed its concerns to the International Civil Aviation Authority. It emphasised that the IAA co-ordinated closely with its UK counterpart at all stages during the incidents to avoid any risk to civil aircraft. Although there was no such risk on these occasions, non-notified and non-controlled flight activity is not acceptable.

On 3 February, senior officials in my Department met the Russian ambassador in Iveagh House to convey the serious concern of the Irish Government about the incidents. On 19 February, these concerns were further underlined to the deputy head of mission in the Russian embassy. The Russians have noted our concerns and I hope they will act accordingly.