Joe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

109. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on how the conflict in Syria can be ended. [36988/15]

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

The Syrian crisis is first and foremost a tragedy for the Syrian people.

Ending the catastrophe which has befallen Syria, and which has imposed enormous burdens on the States neighbouring Syria is critical to the stability of the Middle East region, and the security and safety of the Syrian people and their neighbours.

I welcome the announcement on Friday of the understandings by international stakeholders in Vienna on the lifting of restrictions on humanitarian access, the holding new elections under United Nations supervision, open to all Syrians, leading to credible, inclusive non-sectarian governance and that constitutional change will be pursued.

I call on all parties to support the UN’s efforts and to commit themselves to work sincerely and with urgency for a nationwide ceasefire, a negotiated peace agreement which will protect the rights of the Syrian people and preserve the pluralistic character, unity and sovereignty of a free and democratic Syria at peace.

Ireland strongly endorses the efforts of the United Nations to renew peace negotiations based on the 2012 Geneva communique principles, in particular the ending of violence, the formation of a transitional governing body with full executive powers and a constitutional reform process which would protect Syria’s multi-ethnic and multi-sectarian character.

I believe that there must also be legal accountability for victims of the Syrian conflict and in 2014 we co-sponsored a resolution called for referral of the situation in Syria to the International Criminal Court.

I would also note that the UN Human Rights Council Commission of Inquiry has reported that the Assad regime is responsible for the majority of crimes against the Syrian people, most recently on 21 September at the last HRC session.

While recognising the need for a political transition and an end to the Assad regime, I want to make clear that it is the Syrian people’s right to decide on Syria’s future national leadership.