Harris: urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris has said he is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East.
In a statement, he said that "the risk of an extremely dangerous spiral of escalation in relation to Iran and Israel is now more real and more likely than ever before. There is an urgent need for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy."
He is travelling to Brussels for a meeting of EU Foreign Ministers later today.
He sadded that "the way to address this was always through a negotiated solution. Any alternative to that is simply too dangerous for civilians, for the Middle East region and for global security."
He said that he is "also very conscious of the large presence of Irish peacekeeping troops in Southern Lebanon and their safety is of paramount importance. I continue to receive regular updates from the Chief of Staff on measures being taken to keep them safe at this volatile time.
"We remain in close contact with our Embassies in the region and are supporting those Irish citizens who wish to leave. Staff from our Embassy in Tehran departed Iran on Friday."
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