Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 39: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the latest developments in Syria and the use of extreme violence by the State against democracy activists; the role that he and the EU will play in supporting the democracy movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2335/12]

Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 42: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the latest developments in Syria and the use of extreme violence by the State against democracy activists; the role that he and the EU will play in supporting the democracy movement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2336/12]

Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 69: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has made any comments at EU level regarding the ongoing situation in Syria and in particular the Arab League supervision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1943/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 42 and 69 together.

I have made clear my strong condemnation of the ongoing indiscriminate violence against those calling for greater democratic freedoms and fundamental rights in Syria, most recently in a statement on 20 December and in my reply to question number 47 on 11 January. I will be discussing the current situation in Syria, including the performance to date of the Arab League monitoring mission, with my EU colleagues at next week's Foreign Affairs Council where strong Conclusions are likely to be agreed condemning yet again the ongoing violence and repression.

The UN estimates that over 5,000 people have been killed by Syrian forces since last March. I am gravely concerned that, despite the presence of an Arab League observer mission since 27 December, the killings of unarmed protestors and widespread human rights abuses continue and I fully support the call from Arab League Secretary General el-Araby for a complete cessation of all violence in Syria. I also join with others in condemning the utterly indiscriminate bomb attacks in Damascus on 23 December 2011 and 6 January 2012 which resulted in large-scale deaths and injuries.

Ireland and the EU are determined to support those courageous Syrian citizens who are peacefully insisting on greater democratic freedoms and human rights despite an appallingly brutal response. Firstly, the EU has been reaching out, collectively and bilaterally, to the Syrian democratic opposition including the Syrian National Council. In November, the EU's top official-level political committee met informally with SNC President Dr. Bourhan Ghalioun together with other SNC representatives and EU missions in Ankara also met with a SNC delegation. Ireland was represented at both meetings. In addition, individual member states are meeting opposition representatives on an ongoing basis.

Secondly, the international community, including the EU, the UN and the Arab League, has agreed a series of robust economic, political and diplomatic measures to compel the Syrian regime to cease its appalling and unacceptable attacks on those calling for democracy. The Foreign Affairs Council agreed on 1 December additional measures related to the energy, financial, banking and trade sectors, as well as the listing of additional individuals and entities involved in the violence or supporting the regime. This comes on top of extensive existing EU sanctions, including a ban on oil imports from Syria. I entirely support these additional sanctions and the clear position which High Representative Ashton has articulated on Syria, including her statement of 2 December.

The Arab League also agreed sanctions against Syria on 27 November and has put forward a plan which includes the beginning of genuine political dialogue with the Syrian opposition. At UN level, too, there have been clear calls from an overwhelming majority of UN member states, including Ireland, for an end to the violence and human rights abuses in Syria, most recently in a resolution which was adopted by the General Assembly on 19 December. I hope that the Security Council will soon also be able to agree a strong resolution on Syria to make clear its support for those calling for fundamental freedoms in Syria.

Ireland and its EU partners, working with the Arab League, the UN and other international partners, will continue to support all those striving peacefully for democratic freedoms and human rights in Syria.