Minister McEntee to attend meeting of EU Foreign Ministers

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Helen McEntee, TD, will attend a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers on Monday (15 December).

Ministers will discuss a range of issues, including Russian aggression against Ukraine; the situation in the Middle East; and China. Ministers will also attend a breakfast meeting with the Armenian Foreign Minister. 

Ministers will also express solidarity with the people of Australia following the brutal antisemitic attack which took place in Sydney on Sunday.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Minister said: “We gather at a critical moment for Ukraine and European security. The engagement by the United States in support of peace is welcome. We need to see an outcome that leads to a just and lasting peace, that respects Ukraine’s sovereignty and independence, and which protects Ukraine and Europe’s security. Despite efforts for peace, Russia continues its brutal attacks on Ukraine’s cities. 

“I will be emphasising the need to continue supporting Ukraine politically, financially, and militarily. We have taken an important step with the decision to strengthen the immobilisation of Russian sovereign assets. We now need to agree on financing for Ukraine and keep up pressure on Russia through stronger sanctions and targeting the shadow fleet. We must also move on opening EU accession negotiations for Ukraine.” 

On the situation in the Middle East, the Minister stated: “Ireland welcomes progress on implementing phase one of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The immediate priority is to ensure sufficient humanitarian aid can enter Gaza. The people of Gaza do not have enough food or medicine, adequate shelter from winter weather or access to sanitation. I will be calling for Israel to open more border crossings and facilitate unimpeded access for humanitarian supplies. 

“Together with a number of colleagues, I will be writing to High Representative Kallas to express Ireland’s continued concern at delays in humanitarian aid accessing Gaza. I will be urging other countries to join Ireland in calling for increased access.

“While international attention is understandably focused on Gaza, we must not lose sight of the disturbing situation in the West Bank, where Israeli military operations and settlement expansion are continuing. I will restate our readiness to play our part in working towards a sustainable peace between Israelis and Palestinians through implementation of the two-State solution.”

Ministers will also discuss the situation in Syria. Commenting on the issues, Minister McEntee said: “It is important that the EU continues to support a positive and inclusive transition in Syria. We need to focus on aspects which can have a positive impact on the lives of Syrians. We must strengthen the transitional Government’s capabilities and resourcing. It is also important that Syrians are allowed to lead their own transition, free of undue pressure from external actors. I condemn the terror attack by ISIS in Syria at the weekend.” 

On China, the Minister stated: “This will be the first exchange of views at the Foreign Affairs Council since the EU-China Summit in July and is a timely opportunity to discuss how to ensure our relationship with China is a balanced one, and that EU interests are protected.” 

The FAC will also discuss a number of other issues including hybrid attacks and Belarus. Minister McEntee welcomed the release of 122 political prisoners in Belarus at the weekend, including Nobel-laureate, Ales Bialiatski, and Maria Kalesnikava: “These people were held in prison because they believe in a free Belarus where human rights and political liberty are extended to all. I call on the authorities in Minsk to immediately release all remaining political prisoners. Ireland and the EU will continue our solidarity with the people of Belarus.”