Pat Breen (Clare, Fine Gael)

Like Deputy Higgins, I was disappointed by yesterday's meeting in Brussels. History has shown that no political problem can be resolved militarily. Any attempt using excessive force only creates a new breed of terrorist. The situation is volatile. This morning, two people were killed. We do not yet know whether this incident has broken the ceasefire, but the Israeli Minister for Defence, Ehud Barak, has stated that he is willing to use force again.

Does the Minister plan to meet the Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, regarding her new job and her special relationship with Ireland? Senator George Mitchell, who is on his way to the Middle East as we speak, has a major task in hand. He has a good record of conflict resolution. He is meeting a number of prime ministers and other interested parties, but should he also meet Hamas during his discussions? Irrespective of whether one likes it, Hamas is a significant part of the problem and has been recognised by the Palestinian people. Fatah is not as popular as it was. Some damage was done to the President, Mahmoud Abbas, because of his support for Israel at the start of the conflict. The EU and the Americans should make a considerable international effort and work together on a resolution to the conflict.

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