Written answers

Thursday, 17 December 2015

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

International Terrorism

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin North, United Left)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

29. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views, in terms of global security, stability and peace, on the advisability of any European Union state engaging in a bombing campaign in Syria in response to the attacks in Paris of 13 November 2015; if he has had engagements with other European Union Foreign Affairs Ministers on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45470/15]

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

Ending the devastating conflict in Syria, which has imposed enormous burdens on neighbouring States, is critical to the stability of the Middle East region, and the security and safety of the Syrian people and their neighbours. This instability is also impacting on Europe in the form of both large scale migration and the recent terrorist attacks.

Airstrikes have been conducted against Da’esh in Iraq and Syria for a number of months. It is for individual States to determine in what way they might best contribute to the concerted international effort underway to tackle the threat posed by Da’esh and other UN-designated terrorist groups.

Security Council resolution 2249 calls upon UN Member States to take all necessary measure to prevent and suppress terrorist acts by Da’esh and Al-Nusra Front (an Al-Qaeda affiliate) in territory under Da’esh control within Syria and Iraq and to eradicate the safe haven they have established inside Syria and Iraq. Any action undertaken under this resolution must be in compliance with international law, in particular the UN Charter, as well as international human rights, refugee, and humanitarian law.

Ireland is not and will not be participating in any international military action to combat Da’esh and is not holding discussions with other States on their military actions in Syria.

While the crisis in Syria features in almost every discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council, there has been no discussion on the question of military action against Da’esh at EU level on this issue, as it is exclusively the competence of national governments. However, at my recent meeting with the UK’s Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond there was some discussion of the then impending parliamentary vote on UK airstrikes in Syria.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.