Statement by the Tánaiste following EU Foreign Affairs Council

My discussions in Brussels today included the dangerous situation in the continuing conflict between Israel and Iran, including following the military action by the United States on nuclear sites in Iran. Iran’s attacks this evening on the US Airbase in Qatar and reports of an attack against US forces in Iraq are a worrying example of the spiral of escalation we fear.

This morning, I held talks with the Prime Minister of Qatar and I know he was working intensively to try and help bring about de-escalation.

At our Foreign Affairs Council, there was a united call for restraint and de-escalation by all involved and for a return to diplomacy and dialogue. We are all agreed that Iran must not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon, but this must be achieved through negotiation. The EU is making a positive contribution by keeping channels of communication with Iran open.

The safety and security of our citizens is paramount. I called for continuing close coordination between Member States on the provision of support and assistance.

Ireland was not alone in wanting to keep the focus on the appalling and deteriorating situation in Gaza, as well as the extremely worrying developments in the West Bank.

I welcome that the review of Israel’s compliance with its obligations under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement has been finalised. It is clear from the review that Israel is in breach of its human rights obligations. This is a significant finding. The High Representative has said she will communicate this clearly to Israel. We now need to see options for follow-up action. We will discuss this further at the July meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council.

Together with eight other Ministers, I wrote to the High Representative in advance of today’s Council meeting calling for the EU to undertake a detailed review of its compliance with the Advisory Opinion of the ICJ. This review will now be taken forward in parallel with the review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. I have been calling for this work for some time, and will follow progress closely. It is essential that the EU abide by its commitments under international law.

EU credibility is always important but never more so than at this time when the EU can play an important leadership role.