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Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, TD, has welcomed the announcement of an extraordinary Foreign Affairs Council that will take place on Friday 15th August in Brussels.

Speaking this evening, Minister Flanagan said:

“I welcome the decision of High Representative Catherine Ashton to convene an extraordinary meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council on Friday.

“Last week I wrote to High Representative Ashton and Italian Foreign Minister Mogherini calling for Iraq, Gaza, and Libya to be discussed amongst EU Foreign Ministers.

“The meeting will present an extremely timely opportunity to discuss and formulate a strong and unified EU response to the terror that is gripping Northern Iraq.

“I am extremely concerned about the growing humanitarian crisis, in particular the threat posed to minorities, women, and children, in the wake of the advances by ISIS.

“I, along with the Irish people, remain gravely concerned about the situation in Gaza. I welcome and encourage the talks being held in Cairo, but a sustainable and lasting solution must be found.

“I look forward to speaking with my EU colleagues on these issues, as well as the humanitarian impact that we are seeing as a result of the on-going conflict in Eastern Ukraine.”