Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the recent American incursion into Syria whereby eight persons lost their life; the Irish and European Union reaction to this incursion; if this matter has been raised with the US administration by the European Union; and if so, the response that was elicited by such a discussion. [38383/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I am aware of reports of the incident in question, although the full details of the events are still unclear. The Syrian Government has said only that eight persons were killed, including civilians. The United States has made no official comment, but US sources are reported to have said that the attack successfully targeted an Iraqi leader of Al Qaeda who was active in channelling jihadist fighters and weaponry into Iraq, and in killings of US and Iraqi personnel. Four of the dead were said to be his sons. The Iraqi Government has backed up these reports, although it has otherwise expressed disquiet at the raid.

The EU has made no approach to the United States Government about this incursion. It is obviously regrettable that such incidents should occur, particularly if there is any loss of life of innocent civilians. The continuing violence afflicting Iraq requires the full cooperation of all parties to prevent the territory of Iraq's neighbours being used as a base for attacks within the country.

Despite this incident, there has been an improvement in relations between Syria and the EU in recent months, based on a more constructive Syrian stance on a number of issues. I hope that Syria will continue in this vein, and that the warming of relations can continue.