Leo Varadkar says compromise needed with 27 nations involved but bloc’s position evolving as time goes by
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar talks to the press as he arrives for the second day of a European Union summit in Brussels on Friday. Photograph: Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty ImagesTaoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he is “satisfied” with the European Union’s call for “pauses” in the conflict in Gaza.“I’m satisfied with the language.
He added: “If you went back to two or three weeks ago, it appeared that the EU was supporting Israel without any equivocation or qualification. That changed a week or so ago to continuing to support Israel’s right to defend itself but emphasising the supremacy of international law, particularly humanitarian law, to yesterday, 27 countries calling for a pause to allow aid to get in and to allow citizens and hostages to get out – so I think you’re seeing an evolving position there.
In foreign policy, Mr Varadkar said, any position taken by the EU has to have unanimity among its members and therefore is going to be a compromise. But he added: “In some ways I hope that doesn’t happen because if the European Union got to the position where it was calling for a ceasefire, it probably would be after a lot more people have died and suffered in the region. So in some ways I hope it doesn’t come to that. But it is possible that could be the position in a few weeks or a few months time.”
“It’s really important that we don’t lose focus on Ukraine,” Mr Varadkar said. “We need to double down on our support for Ukraine – political, military, financial and other supports.”
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Taoiseach to push EU leaders to call for ‘humanitarian ceasefire’ in GazaLeo Varadkar says fact that Hamas may not pause hostilities with Israel needs to be ‘borne in mind’
Read more »
EU leaders agree call to ‘pause’ Gaza conflict to allow humanitarian aidStatement does not use ‘ceasefire’ as several states argued this would weakened EU’s support for Israel’s right to self-defence
Read more »
EU leaders agree call to ‘pause’ Gaza conflict to allow humanitarian aidStatement does not use ‘ceasefire’ as several states argued this would weakened EU’s support for Israel’s right to self-defence
Read more »
Taoiseach rejects claims he blindsided Tánaiste on plans for Ukrainian refugeesTensions flared in Cabinet over a proposal to limit State accommodation to 90 days
Read more »
Health service can’t continue to ‘hire without approval’, Taoiseach tells DáilLeo Varadkar says he doesn’t want money allocated for therapists, psychologists or consultants being diverted to hire extra managers or administrators
Read more »
Hosptials in Gaza are running out of water and fuelHospitals in Gaza are ceasing to function because they are running out of water and fuel for generators while being overwhelmed by huge numbers of casualties...
Read more »