Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

There is no doubt that the settlements should not be continuing. The Deputy is correct that if the settlements do continue they will make the development of the two-state solution physically impossible. They will effectively sever the northern-southern part of the West Bank. They are having a huge impact around Jerusalem and Israel should stop settlement expansion, particularly in the context of the talks that are now under way. It is welcome that discussions are under way. I compliment, in particular, Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry, on the initiative he took in that regard. He discussed that issue with European Union Foreign Ministers and directly with me. We support the work that is being done on those talks. So far as the European Union position is concerned I am glad that in May 2012 a very strong position was adopted by the European Union, a stronger position than had been adopted previously. As the Deputy is aware it was very difficult to get agreement at European Union level on this issue. I would like to see it followed through more strongly and I am seeking to have that done at the European Union Foreign Affairs Council and we will continue to do that.

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