Tánaiste to attend Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Micheál Martin, will take part in a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers in Brussels on Monday 22 January.

The Council’s discussions will be focused on both Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East, and will include engagements with Foreign Ministers from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, and Ukraine and Secretary General of the League of Arab States.

During the discussion on Gaza, the Tánaiste will reiterate the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Tánaiste said:

“Today at the Foreign Affairs Council I will once again raise Ireland’s profound concern regarding the horrifying situation in Gaza. In our view, the priority remains advancing towards an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, urgent and effective humanitarian access as well as the protection of civilians. The EU must speak clearly and decisively on this.

"I will also underline the urgency of progressing EU sanctions against violent settlers.”

On Ukraine, the Tánaiste said:

“We have seen reprehensible attacks in Ukraine over the New Year period, which has caused civilian death and significant damage to civilian infrastructure on a large-scale. These attacks show that Russia is intent on continued escalation.

"While we were able to deliver some important messages in December, including the historic decision by the European Council to open accession negotiations with Ukraine, it is clear that much work remains to be done. There are a number of important meetings in weeks ahead, including the Foreign Affairs Council today, and it is critical that we as the EU continue to send a clear and united message of support for Ukraine.”