Minister For Foreign Affairs Welcomes Ceasefire And Humanitarian Access In Syria

News of a nationwide ceasefire in Syria and humanitarian access has been welcomed by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan.

Reiterating his call for a political solution to the conflict in Syria, Minister Flanagan said: "The Syrian conflict has inflicted a devastating toll on the Syrian people and neighbouring countries. Ending the horrific violence in Syria is critical to addressing the catastrophic humanitarian situation, ending the threat of jihadist terrorism and resolving the migration crisis.

"I urge that all parties deliver on the commitments made in Munich, in particular on achieving a nationwide ceasefire and ending the indiscriminate use of weapons, which have been repeatedly used against the civilian population, in violation of international law.

"Ireland will work with the UN and our partners on the ground to support efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to people in need. I acknowledge the commitment by the ISSG to forming a humanitarian task force and ending starvation sieges on civilian populations, which constitute a war crime. At the recent London conference on Syria, Ireland pledged €20m in humanitarian assistance to those affected by the Syrian crisis, in addition to the €42m already provided since the beginning of the Syrian conflict. It is vital that this assistance reaches those in greatest need.

"Ireland has been vocal in demanding a political solution to the crisis in Syria and the commitments of the parties in this regard represent positive progress. I call on all parties to the conflict and states with influence on the parties to fulfil these commitments. Only a political solution based on credible, inclusive, non-sectarian governance and a political transition can end the conflict which has brought such suffering and horror to the Syrian people."

(MH)