Minister Micheál Martin expresses concern about recent violence in the Georgian region of South Ossetia

“I am gravely concerned about recent violence in the Georgian region of South Ossetia and attacks elsewhere in Georgia.

Ireland fully supports Georgian sovereignty and territorial integrity. I welcome the Georgian offer of a ceasefire and call on all parties to immediately accept this. Every effort must be made to keep the situation from escalating further. In this regard, the EU is working hard to find a solution to the current crisis. Ireland will be represented at an emergency General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on Wednesday.

The humanitarian crisis in the country is worsening, with many casualties and refugees from the fighting. Ireland stands ready to contribute to relief efforts there.  In this difficult time, my Department has kept in close contact with the Irish community in Georgia, most of whom have now left the country. I would urge anyone visting Georgia to exercise extreme caution. The Department's travel advice on Georgia is available on the Foreign Affairs website www.dfa.ie.”

-Micheál Martin T.D,
Minister for Foreign Affairs