Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Ireland continues to play a leading role in shaping the policies of the EU in areas of priority concern from an Irish perspective. For example, the articulation of the approach of the EU to conflict prevention and resolution and the EU guidelines on promoting and protecting the rights of human rights defenders who face persecution for defending the rights of others. We play a leading role on the establishment of protocols on the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. In addition, Ireland has a long and credible record of support for a lasting peace in the Middle East. We continue to be a strong voice and play a leading role advocating a two-state solution. We play a prominent role in shaping and achieving EU positions in the Middle East, including benchmark sets of Foreign Affairs Council conclusions in which the EU has focused on specific issues relating to the viability of a future Palestinian state. Last Monday I again participated on behalf of Ireland in discussions on how best the EU can play a positive role in bringing about a lasting solution to the crisis in the Middle East.

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