Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Members also should recall that in the past, Mr. Netanyahu has proved capable of reaching pragmatic agreements. On the face of it, given all the rhetoric and articulation of ideas, one does not draw hope from some of the rhetoric that has been articulated. However, we have been through this in Ireland in respect of our peace process and behind that, perhaps movement can take place.

In the Government's view, it is of strategic importance to Israel that there would be a resolution of this issue, as obviously it is to the Palestinians. Moreover, the Arab states have played a highly constructive role in this regard through the Arab peace initiative and it is important not to allow that to wither.

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