Minister Donohoe to discuss Ukraine with EU counterparts in Brussels

The Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe T.D., will reiterate Ireland’s call for a peaceful outcome to the situation in Crimea today at the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union in Brussels.

Minister Donohoe travelled to Belgium on Sunday morning as part of the Government’s St. Patrick’s Day programme and will also attend the EU General Affairs Council on Tuesday.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Donohoe said: “The Foreign Affairs Council will discuss events taking place this weekend in Crimea, where an illegal referendum took place on Sunday. The Council will be preceded on Monday morning by a meeting of the Friends of Ukraine, where political aspects of the situation as well as the support on offer by the EU to Ukraine will be discussed.

“I will reiterate Ireland’s support for all sides to work together towards a peaceful and negotiated solution which fully respects Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the inviolability of its borders”

On Monday morning, Minister Donohoe will attend the Foreign Affairs Council, where Bosnia and Herzegovina, Syria and EU-Africa relations are also likely to be addressed. Ukraine and Crimea are expected to dominate proceedings.

On Tuesday, the Minister will attend the General Affairs Council monthly meeting, which will prepare the work agenda for the European Council which is due to meet later in the month.