Syrian conflict can be resolved: Crowe

Sinn Féin’s Sean Crowe TD, met yesterday with Mother Agnes Mariam of the Cross, a member of the Melkites, which is one of the main Christian communities in Syria. She said the conflict as not simple as it is being portrayed by elements of international media.

Deputy Seán Crowe said: “It is good to hear from an independent Syrian voice with a perspective that we are not hearing from international media. The situation in that country is clearly very complex and the simplistic scenario of “bad government, good rebels” does not reflect its reality.

“Any analysis of the war in Syria needs to take account of the position of civilian the population and minority groups who are caught in the middle of this war.”

The meeting with Mother Agnes took place in Leinster House. She is visiting Dublin and Belfast this week to give an eyewitness report on the Syrian crisis and to emphasise the possibility of a peaceful resolution.

Deputy Crowe said: “The Irish Government needs to arrange aid and support for the civilian population who are suffering greatly in this conflict. It can play a role in helping the Syrian people by helping broker a peaceful settlement to a conflict that is in danger of spiralling out of control and they should give every possible support to the reconciliation efforts of people like Mother Agnes Mariam.”

Caption for photo: Deputy Seán Crowe is pictured at Leinster House with Mother Agnes Mariam of the Cross, Alan Lonergan and Philipo Pilato, a freelance Italian journalist based in Ireland