Deputy Carthy marks Ireland's 'positive role' in the world

The International Day of Neutrality will be marked this Thursday, December 12.

The United Nations describe neutrality as "the legal status arising from the abstention of a state from all participation in a war between other states, the maintenance of an attitude of impartiality toward the belligerents, and the recognition by the belligerents of this abstention and impartiality."

The General Assembly declared December 12 as the International Day of Neutrality, and called for marking the day by holding events aimed at enhancing public awareness of the value of neutrality in international relations.

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Matt Carthy TD, has today marked the United Nations International Day of Neutrality by saying it is "an opportunity to reassert Ireland’s positive role in the world."

Against a backdrop of "increasing conflict" across the world, Deputy Carthy said that the "necessity" of neutral states playing a "constructive role in conflict resolution and peace building is more important than ever."

He said that any programme for government discussions must prioritise the "protection and enhancement" of Ireland’s Defence Forces and our Independent Foreign Policy, adding that "the starting point on any such discussion must be an acknowledgment that Irish neutrality has served us well.

“Irish neutrality, and having an independent foreign policy, is a strength," he said.

"It is valued and supported by the Irish people. On the international stage, neutrality has underpinned our contribution to peacekeeping and diplomacy. It has never been a weakness."

“It is what has given Ireland the moral credibility to contribute to the great strides that were made in the last century regarding disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and so many other areas.

“The next government will come to power at a crucial moment that could well define Irish neutrality for the next generation," he said, adding that "Ireland can either be either a champion of conflict resolution and peace,"

“The priority of any incoming government must be to rebuild our Defence Forces and ensure that they can participate in UN Peace Keeping missions rather than undermine their role, and Irish neutrality, by abolishing the triple-lock protection.

“This United Nations International Day of Neutrality is an opportunity to re-assert Ireland’s willingness and ability to play a positive role in the world,” he concluded.