Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 28 January 2026
4. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade whether the State has recognised any of Northern Cyprus, Kashmir, South Ossetia, Transnistria, or Western Sahara to be "occupied territories";; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6812/26]
View answerIn international law, a territory is considered occupied when it is placed under the authority of a hostile army. The occupation extends only to territory where this authority has been established and can be exercised, thereby coming under the effective control of the occupying power.
Ireland, along with EU partners, only recognises the Republic of Cyprus, in accordance with the respective UN Security Council Resolutions.
Officials in my Department are monitoring developments in Kashmir closely. I hope that the situation will be resolved peacefully, and support the UN’s calls for restraint and the EU’s position, which is in favour of direct dialogue.
Along with our EU partners, Ireland supports the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally recognised borders. Ireland has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of Russian forces from South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
Along with our EU partners, Ireland supports a comprehensive, peaceful, and sustainable settlement of the Transnistrian conflict, based on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Moldova within its internationally recognised borders.
The United Nations recognises Western Sahara as a non-self-governing territory under international law, specifically Chapter XI of the United Nations Charter. Ireland’s position on Western Sahara has been, and continues to be, guided by the aim of achieving a just and lasting political solution that will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.
