Call for talks to forestall military moves into Syria

Political reaction in Ireland to the escalating Syrian crisis remains opposed to military intervention, despite the rising civilian death toll and suggestions that Britain might back air raids against military targets without the agreement of the UN.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said yesterday Ireland’s position remained unchanged since EU foreign ministers discussed the conflict in Dublin last March.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore said at the time that further militarisation of the crisis must be avoided and a political solution found instead. That view was reiterated late last week by the EU’s foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, following the chemical attacks on civilians in Damascus. In a message supported by Ireland, she called for urgent diplomatic action by the international community.