On 12 December, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence, Simon Coveney T.D. will attend a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels and an Eastern Partnership Ministerial Meeting.
During the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Ministers will hold an exchange with the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Dymtro Kuleba and will discuss Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine, and continued coordination of the EU’s response including on potential further sanctions and on ensuring full accountability of individuals responsible for international crimes in Ukraine.
Ministers will also discuss the ongoing repression of peaceful protestors in Iran, including the execution of Mohsen Shekari, which the EU has condemned in the strongest possible terms.
In addition, Ministers will discuss Tunisia, the current energy and security crisis in Moldova and the EU’s ongoing commitment to Human Rights, as Human Rights Day is marked on 10 December around the world.
Speaking ahead of the discussion on Russian aggression against Ukraine, Minister Coveney said:
“Russia’s deliberate and indiscriminate attacks against civilians across Ukraine are having a devastating impact on Ukraine’s energy and other critical civilian infrastructure. I welcome the opportunity for continued discussion at the Foreign Affairs Council on the coordination of the EU’s response to Russia’s ongoing military aggression against Ukraine, including in relation to Russian accountability and possible further sanctions.”
The Minister commented on Iran:
"Ireland has been fully part of the united EU response to Iran's disproportionate and violent suppression of protests, the serious violations of the rights of women and girls, and its transfer of weapons to Russia, including sanctions applied on 17 October and on 14 November. At our meeting, we will discuss further sanctions on those responsible for grave human rights violations. Ireland calls on the Iranian authorities to immediately end the unacceptable practice of imposing and carrying out death sentences against protesters. We strongly oppose the use of the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances, as an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity."
On Human Rights, the Minister commented:
“As we have just marked Human Rights Day, this is an excellent opportunity to reaffirm Ireland and the EU’s strong commitments to human rights. The promotion and protection of human rights is a key foreign policy priority for Ireland, and that is why we are seeking a term on the Human Rights Council 2027-2029.”
ENDS