Denise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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131. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on whether the suspension of economic sanctions by the European Union on Syria is appropriate given the latest instances of appalling violence being carried out by Syrian government security forces and affiliated militias against men, women and children of minority communities in western Syria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12304/25]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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I have resolutely condemned the appalling violence in western Syria which included the killing of civilians. The numbers killed are not yet clear, but may exceed one thousand. These shocking events began with attacks on forces of the interim government by military remnants of the former Assad regime. This triggered a number of armed groups, including it seems at least some aligned with the interim authorities, to respond with sectarian attacks against communities they associated with the old regime. A clear picture is still being put together.

There is no suggestion the Syrian authorities intended this to happen, and their reaction has been prompt. Government forces intervened to protect villages and end the attacks. President Al-Sharaa condemned the killings and promised accountability for those involved, whoever they may be. The government has set up an independent commission of inquiry into the events, and has been open to suggestions that international bodies might be included in this. It is important that there is accountability and no impunity for those responsible for these attacks.

The long civil war in Syria has left the country with many armed groups, some of which have now aligned with the new government, but are under only loose control. One of the priorities of the new government has been to merge all armed forces, including their own, into a new Syrian army, not least in order to prevent outbreaks of violence of this nature.

More broadly, the new government has made clear statements about an inclusive approach to Syria's future. A National Dialogue Conference has been held, and this month the government has concluded important agreements with the Kurdish and Druze minorities to reintegrate them with national institutions.

These are important beginnings by the new Syrian authorities in a very challenging environment, after fifty years of dictatorship, a long and destructive civil war, and continuing outside interference. Ireland supports the EU approach of supporting the new government in these efforts, in line with our support for an inclusive transition process that protects and upholds the human rights of all Syrians.

EU sanctions were placed on Syria under the Assad regime after deliberate and sustained attacks by that government on its own civilians, using artillery, aerial bombing and chemical warfare. The EU in February suspended a range of sanctions, with provision to reimpose them if necessary, in the fields of finance, transport, energy and the economy. The aim is to support economic revival which will ease the severe humanitarian needs of Syrians, help begin the process of reconstruction, contribute to safe conditions and the economic capacity, and underpin the political transition process now underway.