Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his EU colleagues, by their own volition or in conjunction with the UN, have been in a position to influence the situation in Syria with particular reference to the identification of some means to bring about a cessation of the hostilities with a view to the possible protection of civilians; if in the course of discussions on the issue it has been found possible to take any steps which might positively influence the situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50155/12]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the measures he has taken in conjunction with his EU counterparts regarding the Syrian conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50188/12]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which he and his EU colleagues continue to focus the ongoing situation in Syria with particular reference to identifying a means whereby the ongoing bloodshed may be brought to a halt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50461/12]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 14, 45 and 60 together.

Ever since the Syria crisis erupted 20 months ago, Ireland has worked tirelessly together with its EU and international partners to end the appalling violence that has so far claimed the lives of more than 20,000 people and to launch a necessary dialogue among all Syrians for a peaceful resolution of the conflict.

Since his appointment which we have warmly welcomed, UN/Arab States Joint Special Envoy Ladkhar Brahimi has been engaged in extensive discussions with all the parties to the conflict as well as with the major international and regional powers, with the view to devise a way out of the current stalemate. His call for a ceasefire on the occasion of the Eid al Adha festival had received broad support including that of key regional players such as Egypt, Turkey and Iran as well as the backing of the UN Security Council, only for the violence to re-ignite a few hours into the truce.

Despite the Eid truce setback, we continue to support Mr. Brahimi’s mission as there is clearly no other alternative available. I am greatly concerned by the dangers of further militarisation of the conflict and do not believe that proposals for external intervention of any sort are likely to help in any way to bring about a peaceful solution to the crisis. I fear such an intervention would only lead to an escalation of the fighting and casualties among civilian population and potentially risk spreading the conflict to the wider region. The priority must remain to secure an early ceasefire and get a political process under way.

In order to compel the Assad regime to cease oppression and violence against its own people, the EU has adopted a series of severe sanctions, including at the last EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, which are proving effective in increasing pressure on the Syrian authorities. Yet, to be truly effective, sanctions should include a global arm embargo to cut the flow of weapons and arms making their way to Syria. For that to happen, the international community and the UN Security Council in particular should live up to their responsibilities and act decisively through adoption of an appropriately strong Council Resolution.

If a political solution to the crisis is to be successful, the Syrian opposition must do more to unite and agree on a workable programme towards political transition. So far the divisions between the internal and external opposition have only allowed Assad to maintain his no dialogue policy, arguing he doesn’t have a credible interlocutor. Ireland with its EU and global partners has been particularly anxious to ensure that the Syrian opposition overcomes its divisions and I hope the latest Conference in Doha will prove a turning point in gathering the entire democratic opposition under a single umbrella and with an agreed vision and programme of action on how they see Syria’s future.

We also need to continue urgently addressing the critical humanitarian situation arising from the conflict which has resulted in over 300,000 people fleeing to neighbouring countries and more than 1.5 million people internally displaced. Ireland and the EU have contributed significantly to the international efforts led by the UN in providing relief and humanitarian aid with Ireland contributing some €2.45 million to date, including €1.6 million to ICRC, UNHCR and WHO and also an additional €200,000 to UNRWA for Palestinian refugees within Syria.

Ireland and our EU and international partners will continue our strong support for all efforts to end the violence and suffering of the Syrian people and to promote the earliest possible political settlement and transition within Syria.