Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 27 June 2024
49. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had any engagement with Brazil, India, or South Africa over their failure to sign up to a joint communique issued at the end of a Ukraine peace conference in which more than 80 countries and international organisations endorsed Ukrainian territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s invasion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27270/24]
View answerThe Summit on Peace in Ukraine, which took place in Switzerland on 15-16 June, was an important first step toward building support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. The Taoiseach represented Ireland, delivering the national statement, and participating in a working group on the return of deported Ukrainian children.
I welcome that 101 delegations from all continents attended the Summit, and that the Joint Communiqué re-affirmed that the UN Charter must be at the core of any future peace process.
It is positive that participants identified practical next steps on a number of key elements of the Peace Plan – food security, nuclear safety, and the return of civilians, including Ukrainian children.
It is clear that Russia’s invasion has consequences globally. Ireland and the EU were actively engaged on outreach ahead of the Summit to encourage high level participation and engagement by third countries. On 4th June, I held a productive call with Foreign Minister Pandor of South Africa, where we discussed the Summit along with a number of other issues. I also held a number of meetings with Middle East partners in the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 26-27 May at which I raised the issue.
Unfortunately, in the lead up to the Summit, we saw statements on the settlement of the war that did not reflect the principles of the UN Charter and international law. We have been clear that any peace proposal must be based on the UN Charter and its key principles, including respect for sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.
In our upcoming bilateral discussions with global partners, Ireland will continue to raise this issue in order to build consensus around the key principles that should underpin a future peace.
We will continue to make the case that, as they defend the sovereignty and territorial integrity of their own country, Ukrainians are also defending fundamental and universal freedoms, including the right to live in peace and security.
