merrion street

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Simon Coveney TD, is in Luxembourg today to attend a meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers.

The EU Foreign Affairs Council will address Syria, Russia, Iran and the EU’s External Financing Instruments. The Council will discuss the Western Balkans over lunch.

Council Conclusions are expected to be adopted on Syria, South Sudan, malicious cyber activities and on Chemical Weapons. 

Speaking in advance of the meeting, the Tánaiste said: 

“I welcome the opportunity to discuss Syria with my EU colleagues today, especially in light of the most recent horrific chemical attack which took place in Douma. My colleagues and I will examine what the EU can do to help bring about a peaceful end to the conflict and full legal accountability. Today’s meeting will also provide an opportunity for the Council to take stock of how the EU manages relations with Russia, following the Salisbury attack and developments in Syria In addition, Foreign Ministers will discuss the situation in Iran and the importance of the implementation by all parties of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. 

Over lunch, Ministers will hold a discussion on the Western Balkans, ahead of the EU-Western Balkans Summit in May.”