19 hours ago
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Tánaiste to warn this week is ‘pivotal moment' for Gaza and Ukraine as EU ministers meet before Trump-Putin summit
The meeting will focus on Russia's continued aggression against Ukraine and the situation in the Middle East in light of the recent Israeli security cabinet decision.
On Russia, Ministers will discuss the latest developments with regard to Russia's ongoing illegal aggression against Ukraine, ahead of an expected meeting between Presidents Trump and Putin on Friday.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Tánaiste said: 'We welcome all genuine efforts to arrive at a just and lasting peace, one that upholds the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty, and does not reward aggression.
'Ireland has always been clear that there can be no decisions about Ukraine, without Ukraine.
'This is also a matter of European security. I look forward to discussing with my EU counterparts how best we can continue to support Ukraine and ensure that it enters negotiations from a position of strength.
'We will also continue to engage with our US counterparts, at every level, and urge them to work for a negotiated and fair peace – one that ensures the future prosperity of Ukraine', Mr Harris said.
Ministers will also discuss the situation in the Middle East and Mr Harris said the meeting comes at a critical moment for Gaza, 'where the humanitarian situation remains catastrophic'.
"Since the last Council when the HRVP updated ministers on the steps she agreed with Israel to improve the humanitarian situation, we have not seen indications of any significant improvements. On the contrary, there is evidence that the worst-case famine scenario is unfolding in Gaza. In addition, Israel has recently announced plans to escalate its offensive in Gaza, which I have strongly condemned alongside other EU ministers.
"I will be urging concrete EU action demanding that Israel immediately lift its blockade and allow the full, unimpeded resumption of humanitarian aid. I will also again press for appropriate follow-up action at EU level in response to Israel's breaches of its human rights obligations, which is all the more urgent as Israel repeatedly demonstrates that it is not listening to the concerns of its EU partners.'
