Written answers

Tuesday, 24 May 2016

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Foreign Conflicts

Photo of Micheál MartinMicheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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355. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the efforts of the European Union in influencing a peaceful outcome in Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9987/16]

Photo of Charles FlanaganCharles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I welcome the holding of the recent Vienna meeting of the International Syria Support Group, but I am concerned about the absence of an agreed date for the renewal of negotiations. An early resumption of negotiations and progress on the core issue of a political transition are central to achieving a political solution. I discussed these issues with my EU colleagues at the Foreign Affairs Council yesterday, underlining the need for a clear EU voice and strong EU policies on achieving a political solution and addressing the humanitarian crisis.

There can be no prospect of meaningful negotiations if the violence continues. The reports of Assad regime helicopters barrel bombing opposition held areas underline the urgent need for a comprehensive political solution.

I call on all parties, including all members of the International Syria Support Group, 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 and UN Security Council Resolution 2254, 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.

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.

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