Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

In his initial statements, the acting Israeli Prime Minister, Mr. Olmert, indicated that he looks forward to dealing with the Palestinians on the basis of negotiations. Through the EU, the Irish Government has always made it known strongly that the transfer by Israel of its own population into occupied territory is in breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The situation is that such transfers are illegal. The EU will accept nothing less than a return to the pre-1967 border situation.

I accept that the direction that has been taken by the Israeli authorities concerning the occupied territories and building the wall goes against the principles agreed in the roadmap. It also goes against the principles accepted by the international community on having a two state solution. Equally, however, there are questions to be answered by the Palestinians on whether Hamas is willing to accept democracy and the normal rules under which it would participate in a democracy. Getting a mandate in a democratic election brings with it responsibilities. As the Deputy knows with regard to our own experience, Hamas cannot be part of the democratic system if it still adheres to violence.

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