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Statement by Minister Flanagan on Syria
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD, has called on the Russian Federation to recognise that its military actions in Aleppo have had catastrophic consequences for vulnerable civilians and must cease. He said a full ceasefire observed by all sides must be restored.
Speaking following his return from the United Nations General Assembly, Minister Flanagan said:
“I am deeply concerned at the indiscriminate use of military force against civilians and the horrific loss of life in Aleppo over the weekend and my concerns will be conveyed directly to the Russian authorities.
"This long running conflict in Syria reached new depths of barbarity in recent days and reaching a diplomatic solution is now more pressing than ever. I reiterate Ireland’s full support of accountability for the victims of this conflict and our call for referral of the situation to the International Criminal Court.
"I have just returned from the UN which is trying, through the Secretary-General’s special envoy Staffan de Mistura, to broker a diplomatic solution. I want to see all parties returning to the table for urgent talks that will end this horrendous conflict."