Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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503. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the international community can bring about a positive influence in the situation in Iraq with particular reference to the urgent need for the restoration of democracy throughout the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45683/15]

Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Ireland is continuing to support efforts by the Iraqi Government, together with the EU and UN, to promote a political resolution of the current conflict in Iraq. We have repeatedly stressed that only a political solution based on reconciliation which recognises the rights of all Iraqis, in line with the September 2014 programme of the Government of PM Al-Abadi, can achieve a sustainable peace in Iraq.

Monday’s meeting of the EU Foreign Affairs Council, which I attended, adopted Conclusions which stated this position clearly, and called “on the countries of the region to play a constructive role and support the Iraqi Government in its efforts to restore long-lasting peace and stability in Iraq”.