merrion street

- Ministers also discuss progress in implementing EU response to the external aspects of Migration

Following the meeting, Minister Flanagan said:

“The ongoing conflict in Syria is causing untold human suffering and displacement. Today, Ireland and the EU strongly condemned the excessive and disproportionate attacks by the regime and its allies against civilians, and called on them to cease indiscriminate aerial bombardments.

"EU Foreign Ministers called on Russia to demonstrate all efforts to halt indiscriminate bombing by the Syrian regime, restore a cessation of hostilities, ensure immediate humanitarian access and create the conditions for a credible and inclusive political transition. This is critical to save the lives of Syrian citizens, particularly those who remain in Aleppo.

"Ministers were also united that the situation in Syria should be referred to the International Criminal Court in order to ensure legal accountability for the victims of the unspeakable crimes that have been committed against them."

EU Foreign Ministers also discussed migration and the follow up to the EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy. Minister Flanagan said:

“The war in Syria is one of the main factors driving the migration crisis. Political instability in the EU’s southern neighbourhood, and ongoing economic crises in many parts of the world are also causing people to uproot themselves and seek a better life elsewhere.

"Although the migration crisis has largely disappeared from the headlines, it is sadly far from resolved. The EU has made a lot of progress in the past 18 months but this needs to be complemented by a more determined and coherent effort to address the root causes of recent mass migration to Europe. Strengthening our collective capacity to promote and protect human rights, development cooperation, conflict resolution and global governance externally will help build societies that are more responsive to their citizens’ needs.

"This objective is at the heart of the EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy. Today, Foreign Ministers discussed the important task of the implementation of the Strategy. I stressed the need to carry forward work on each of the elements of the Strategy – including our approach to conflicts and crises - in an integrated way. Progress in these areas will help improve the situation of peoples afflicted by conflict and poverty. It will contribute, in turn, to greater security for all including our own citizens in the EU".

Note to Editors

Minister Flanagan represented Ireland at the Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg today. The meeting was chaired by HRVP Federica Mogherini.