Tánaiste welcomes outcome of EU Foreign Affairs Council on Syria and Iran

Luxembourg, 15 October 2012 - The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore T.D., has welcomed the conclusions adopted today by EU Foreign Ministers on Syria and Iran.  Speaking from Luxembourg following the Council meeting the Tánaiste said:

"There is an urgent need for a process of political transition that will meet the democratic aspirations of the Syrian people and return stability to Syria and the region. In this regard, I repeated my call on all members of the UN Security Council to uphold their responsibilities and support a comprehensive UN Security Council Resolution. The restrictive measures we adopted today are a further step in our efforts to stop the violence in Syria, especially the use of force by the Syrian regime against its own people, and to ensure the quick and effective delivery of humanitarian aid to those who need it.” 

On Iran, EU Ministers condemned the continuing production of enriched uranium and the expansion of that country's nuclear programme and they adopted further measures aimed at having the Iranian authorities comply with their international obligations and fully cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Ministers also welcomed the award of the Nobel Peace Prize to the European Union.  The Tánaiste said:

"This award is a well-deserved recognition of the EU's role in establishing peace, freedom and security on our continent.  It is an inspiration to all of us to maintain our focus on resolving conflicts, building peace, fostering human rights and political freedoms across the globe.  I look forward to the opportunity which our forthcoming Presidency brings to strengthen these essential values of the EU."