Young Fine Gael have written an open to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Defence, Simon Coveney, requesting that the Russian Ambassador to Ireland be expelled. This request comes following the Russian Federation’s illegal invasion of Ukraine’s eastern border and its decision to no longer recognise Ukraine’s sovereign claim over Donetsk and Luhansk.
In the letter, Art O’Mahony, President of Young Fine Gael said: “As a nation which has experienced the trauma of imperial aggression, Ireland has an obligation to defend the principles of democracy and self-determination. Russia’s recognition of Donetsk and Luhansk as independent states is in violation of international law and its military incursion is an assault on our liberal western values.”
Young Fine Gael have asked the government to action five points as a retaliation to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These are:
- Expel the Russian Ambassador to Ireland
- Support severe economic sanctions on Moscow through the European Union
- Condemn Russia’s actions at the United Nations Security Council
- Express Ireland’s unequivocal support for NATO in the region and desire for peace
- Amend the Defence Act 1954 to remove Russia’s veto over the deployment of troops
“We believe that these actions will send a strong message to Moscow that Ireland unequivocally supports Ukraine at this difficult time and that military neutrality does not mean political neutrality.”
“Young Fine Gael will work with our colleagues in the Youth of the European People’s Party (YEPP) to ensure that the governments of Europe unite in their resolve to defend Ukraine.”
ENDS
Note:
- YFG is the first Irish youth wing to call for the expulsion of the Russian Ambassador to Ireland.
- Along with fellow sister parties in the Youth of the European People’s Party (YEPP), Young Fine Gael will be using the #StandWithUkraine hashtag to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine.