Minister Donohoe leads Dáil motion on conflict in Ukraine

Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe, TD, today called on the Dáil to condemn the annexation of Crimea by Russia, and to pledge solidarity and support for Ukraine.

Speaking in the Dáil, Minister Donohoe said:

“Ukraine has rightly been the focus of much concern by all parties and all Deputies represented here since peaceful demonstrations began last November in Kiev. That concern has been widely reflected in the Irish public at large.

“As a small country, we believe that the most effective way of addressing major global challenges is through multilateral cooperation. We have spoken clearly of the need for inclusive dialogue, full respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, the exercise of restraint from all sides and a total rejection of intimidation and violence.

“The European Council, as a whole, has expressed the firm view that there is no place for the use of force and coercion to change borders in Europe in the 21st century. Together with our EU partners and, as a country which had the honour to serve as the Chair in Office of the OSCE as recently as 2012, I do not see how we could fail to take a strong view on such matters.

“In response to Russian actions, EU Heads of State and Government on 6 March set out targeted measures against the Russian Federation in the absence of steps to de-escalate the situation. We continue to hope that further steps will not prove necessary and that a diplomatic and peaceful solution to the current crisis can be found.”

The Dáil will debate the motion from 12.30 today. A full transcript of Minister Donohoe’s address is included below.