Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1 and 4 together.

The search for peace in the Middle East is a major foreign policy priority for Ireland and for the European Union. The urgency of achieving that objective has been underlined by the events of the past six months. The crisis in Gaza at the end of the last year reversed the sense of momentum following the November 2007 Annapolis Conference. There is a real fear that events on the ground are moving in the wrong direction. At the same time there is a renewal of hope, driven primarily by the engagement of President Obama. If the present opportunity is not converted into a durable settlement, however, there could be a prolonged setback. In that context I very much welcome Secretary of State Clinton's unequivocal statement on settlements yesterday.

Ireland and its EU partners have been to the fore in promoting the vision of a settlement which will result in two sovereign states, Israel and Palestine, coexisting side by side in peace and security. While clearly difficult to achieve, that vision is now almost universally accepted as the only future which can ensure peace, and as the objective towards which the peace process must work. It is a matter of considerable disappointment that the only major player which does not yet accept that vision, other than the more extreme Palestinian groups, is the new Government of Israel. I hope that position will soon change.

I have paid very close attention to the Middle East since I became Minister for Foreign Affairs. I have made two visits to the region, as well as attending the international conference on Gaza held in Egypt in March. I have been able to discuss the position directly with key leaders in Israel, Egypt, the Palestinian Authority, Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, whose Foreign Minister I met last week, and Syria, where I had a full discussion with President Assad. I also met UN officers and agencies in the area, including Commissioner Karen Abu Zayd of UNRWA and Gaza Director John Ging.

I used these meetings both to hear at first hand the assessment of the main players and to offer Ireland's support for all those working towards a lasting solution. Both Ireland and the European Union are also significant donors to the Palestinian people and to groups working for peace and justice. I can assure the House that I will continue to give this issue a very high priority.

Outside parties, in particular the United States, the European Union and the Arab states, can play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging the peace process. Senator Mitchell has already made three visits to the region in his new role. President Obama has this month met Prime Minister Netanyahu and President Abbas in Washington and will shortly be meeting President Mubarak. The Arab leaders have confirmed that their ground-breaking peace initiative remains on the table.

Ultimately it depends on the willingness of both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to see the common objective, and to show the courage, imagination and leadership to achieve it through direct negotiations on all the issues. The period of instability caused by the Gaza crisis has been followed by a period of reflection and changes of leadership. There is an urgent necessity now to re-establish momentum in the political process, through direct negotiations on the key issues and the honouring of previous commitments, and to demonstrate to the peoples of the Middle East that a peaceful settlement is still in sight and is being actively pursued. I will personally spare no effort to promote this objective in conjunction with my EU colleagues and with other relevant players.

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