Darragh O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Fianna Fail)
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105. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council; his further views on the announcement of a new political and military alliance between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52817/17]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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As I have stated previously in this House and elsewhere, the situation between Qatar and its neighbours is a matter of concern.

Ireland strongly supports regional cooperation and dialogue, and believes that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) makes a contribution to the stability of the wider Arab region. First and foremost, the relationship between Qatar and the other Gulf countries is an internal GCC matter, although it has wider regional and international implications.

I note with regret that the recent meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council which took place on 5 December in Kuwait ended early, without the full schedule of meetings occurring.

Ireland, like all EU Member States, has interests in the crisis in so far as it has the potential to impact on citizens, commerce and regional stability. In tandem with our EU partners, we continue to encourage mediation to resolve this crisis, and we welcome and fully support the efforts of Kuwait in this regard. It is my hope that these efforts will continue, leading to a de-escalation of the tensions, and an early resolution, which is in the interests of the whole region.

As regards Saudi Arabia-UAE military partnership, given that both countries are currently engaged in military activity in Yemen, I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate my deep concern about the situation there, the suffering of ordinary people there, and the humanitarian crisis which the war has triggered. The ongoing fighting is having devastating consequences for civilians, with credible allegations of violations of international humanitarian law, which all parties to the conflict must respect. Ireland will continue to press for a negotiated settlement to the conflict in Yemen, respect for human rights and international humanitarian law, and improved humanitarian access to those in need.