Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)

Would the Minister agree there is considerable merit in keeping the European Union approach European? This is precisely the issue and there is more traction to the European Union approach than there is from the mediated approach of the United States, through Israeli comments. If the balance or the composition of the team that negotiates with Iran drifted towards the north-American version, it would be quite dangerous. I have difficulty with the Security Council resolution 1803, which is at a significant distance from the European negotiating position. The resolution has heavy United States and Chinese influences, whereas the European Union position is more pragmatic. This is revealed in the remarks on Mr. Solana's talks and report contained in the Minister's answer.

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