Right now, there is a dangerous escalation of tensions at the Russia/Ukraine border and the real possibility of a military conflict that could easily spiral out of control. The Irish people in the Republic of Ireland strongly support Irish neutrality (RTE/RedC exit poll May 2019 showed 82 per cent supported Irish neutrality).
The Irish government should reflect the values of the vast majority of Irish people rather than warmongering columnists and support a negotiated settlement, a role a previous government played in the Good Friday Agreement.
Peace Neutrality Alliance (Pana) therefore welcomes President Macron’s decision to revive the Normandy Format talks that led to the Minsk II Accord.
The Minsk II Accord has successfully prevented a new escalation of the civil war in Ukraine since 2015. Ukraine’s people are divided, with millions speaking Russian and looking to the east, while others in the west are more oriented towards Europe. The Minsk II Accord, negotiated by France, Germany, Russia, Ukraine and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), recognised these divisions and sought a political resolution to them, one that would explicitly include greater autonomy for the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
After the Second World War and in contrast to the solution for Germany, the western powers and the Soviet Union agreed to a state treaty in 1955 which resulted in Austria being unified and neutral.
The world cannot risk a military confrontation between the world’s two most heavily armed nuclear states – the United States and Russia. What we need instead is vigorous diplomacy to promote de-escalation and seek a negotiated solution, to avoid war and advance the Minsk II diplomatic process.
This is an ideal time for our Minister of Foreign Affairs to advance Irish neutrality by de-escalating the warmongering, with an update on that old Irish Citizen Army slogan, “We serve neither the US nor Russia, but Ireland”.
ROGER COLE
Chair, Peace and Neutrality Alliance,
Dalkey, Dublin
We must work together to save our planet
The need and the demand for robust action on the crisis facing our planet and humanity is undeniable.
We all have a part to play in the global fight against climate change. I am relieved, therefore, that legislation to address climate change is finally making its way through the assembly in the north.
Sinn Féin supports robust legislation in the north, across the island of Ireland and internationally which is ambitious, fair and delivers real change.
In the assembly Sinn Féin tabled legislation to ban fracking because the DUP economy minister failed to do so. That legislation is also making its way through the legislative process and we hope to see it in place in the current term of the assembly.
Sinn Féin is opposed to any attempt to explore, drill for or extract petroleum in the north of Ireland. Our ministers in the Executive will oppose any proposals from the economy minister unless these include a ban on petroleum licensing.
Sinn Féin’s unequivocal position is that there should be an immediate moratorium on all petroleum licensing until legislation is brought forward to outlaw it.
I hope other ministers in the five party, power-sharing Executive support that position.
The scale of the crisis facing our environment, our planet, and our own communities, demands decisive action now. We must work together to protect our planet and future generations.
MICHELLE O’NEILL MLA
Sinn Féin
Russia is no threat to Ireland
I refer to media articles published on Friday January 21 relating to upcoming Russian naval exercises. Russia is no threat to Ireland, never has been and won’t be invading any time soon, or ever. Constantly, letters to the editors and newspaper feature articles push for Ireland to get more involved in the EU, Nato and the UN military.
These ongoing scare announcements are meant to get Ireland involved in increased military spending and escapades the country can ill afford. This scaremongering has to do with making massive profits for armament industries. Naval military exercises are practised in international waters continually, including by the US, North Korea, and soon, joint exercises between Russia, Iran and China in the Indian Ocean. Air traffic over Ireland is routed through established well-regulated air corridors away from where naval military exercises take place. I suppose it is safe to say the Russian ambassador was not shaking in his shoes when he met Minister Coveney, waving his EU stick.
JOE TERRY
Blarney, Co Cork
Chance to make Number Day a success
On Friday, schools across the UK will come together for a day filled with fun educational maths activities, as part of the NSPCC’s Number Day.
Number Day is an annual event that sees teachers and pupils raise vital funds for the NSPCC so it can continue its important work protecting children from abuse and supporting them with any issues they may face. It is free for any school to sign up and there’s still time for schools in Northern Ireland to get involved.
Once a school has registered, the NSPCC will send it everything it needs to make its Number Day a success. This will include resources that can be used in the classroom, including games and activities such as Buddy’s Key Challenge. This features the NSPCC mascot Buddy the speech bubble, which pupils may recognise from the charity’s Speak Out. Stay Safe assembly.
The fallout of the pandemic has been huge for children and young people and by fundraising for the NSPCC through Number Day, schools will help our staff continue to be here for those facing abuse, neglect or struggling with their mental health.
To sign up to take part in Number Day visit the NSPCC’s website and search for Number Day and fill in your school’s details.
JOANNE McMASTER
NSPCC Northern Ireland
