Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

This Government and its predecessor made the Middle East a priority in foreign policy. That will continue to be the case and that is why we pressed hard for a strong statement at the EU Foreign Affairs Council. That is why we took the position that there must be follow through. I have asked that, during our Presidency, we review what was decided in May. On a technical point, the Foreign Affairs Council is now chaired by the High Representative, following the Lisbon arrangements. I am working quite closely with High Representative Catherine Ashton, who has taken a strong personal interest and leadership role in the Middle East peace process.

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