Tánaiste Simon Coveney attends EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg
Press release
15 October 2018Tánaiste attends EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg to discuss Libya, Central African Republic, external aspects of Migration and Venezuela
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Coveney T.D., today attended a meeting of EU Foreign Affairs Ministers in Luxembourg. Ministers discussed Libya, the external aspects of migration, the Central African Republic and Venezuela.
Following the meeting, the Tánaiste said:
“EU Ministers had a discussion on developments in Libya, including the security and political situation of the country. It is important that the EU continues to engage, under the umbrella of the UN, to assist Libya in completing its political transition and unifying its national institutions. Ireland fully supports the UN Special Representative in his efforts towards a political solution which is Libyan-owned and led.
Ministers were joined by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees and the Director General for the International Organisation for Migration for a discussion on the external aspects of migration, including the importance of working together to address the root causes of irregular migration. Ireland has pledged support of €15 million to the EU Trust Fund for Africa, which aims to tackle root causes and ensure safer migration management in partner countries.
Ministers also discussed the situation in the Central African Republic, including the need for strengthened EU engagement. Ireland is very concerned by the increased violence and displacement, as well as restrictions on humanitarian access in the country. Since 2012, we have provided over €30 million in humanitarian assistance to those in need in CAR.
Ministers had an exchange of views on the situation in Venezuela. The EU is united in its concern at the deteriorating political, economic and humanitarian situation there, and we are fully supportive of regional efforts to address the migration crisis.
At the meeting EU High Representative Mogherini also reiterated the EU's concern at the disappearance of Saudi journalist Mr. Jamal Khashoggi. The reports in relation to his disappearance are extremely worrying and I support calls for an urgent and comprehensive investigation into this case."
ENDS
Press Office
15 October 2018
