Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister agree that, while peace processes generally comprise small steps, in the case of the Middle East the best way forward is perhaps an acknowledgement of the final solution? With respect to our questions on the Government's policy regarding the conflict between Palestine and Israel, he mentioned a two-state solution. Am I correct in assuming that the Government's policy also includes a return to the pre-1967 borders, or borders as agreed by both parties, and an agreement on the return or otherwise of refugees from 1948 and 1967? He mentioned in his reply that works should be frozen in the settlement areas. Does that include the deconstruction of outposts built since March 2001?

We also have to recognise the right of Israel to protects its citizens within international law and should condemn Palestinians for attacking Israel citizens in a wanton manner and ask them to desist from these attacks. If that is Government policy, Fine Gael would support it.

I ask the Minister to use his influence in the EU to play a greater role because we too often look to the United States to solve the problems in the Middle East. If the problems between Palestine and Israel are solved, many other issues will be resolved as a result. Does the Minister agree that the solution might lie in the EU building stronger trade links between Israel and Palestine because economic progress on the ground will be of great assistance to peace? Perhaps the EU needs to be more proactive rather than handing the leading role to the United States.

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