merrion street

I attended the Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, where my EU counterparts and I agreed unanimously that all EU Member States would suspend arms exports to Turkey, given Turkey’s unacceptable unilateral military action in north east Syria. EU Foreign Ministers condemned Turkey’s actions in Syria, which undermines the stability of the region, will result in more civilian suffering and will make prospects for the UN-led peace process in Syria much more difficult. It also undermines progress made in the international fight against ISIS. I again urge Turkey to cease unilateral military action and withdraw its forces from Syria. Respect for international humanitarian law and unhindered humanitarian access are also vital.

In response to Turkey’s continued illegal drilling activity in Cyprus’s Exclusive Economic Zone, EU Foreign Ministers also agreed a framework regime of restrictive measures, or sanctions, in respect of persons responsible for or involved in illegal drilling activity in the Eastern Mediterranean. Ireland and the EU stand in full solidarity with Cyprus and call on Turkey to respect its sovereignty and sovereign rights in accordance with international law.