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

I have long warned of the danger of a peace process which is effectively in suspension and not visible on the ground. As I have previously reported to the House, I have consistently argued in the Foreign Affairs Council that the EU needs to retain a focus on the conflict in Israel and Palestine, and to do more.

I am encouraged that High Representative, Federica Mogherini, has shared my concern, even in the face of many competing international crises.

In recent months the Foreign Affairs Council has begun to consider what more the European Union can do and I expect that discussion to continue at the Council in November.

In her remarks to the European Parliament last week High Representative Mogherini listed twin priorities of action on the ground to reduce tensions and rebuild confidence and to build the conditions for renewed negotiations for the resumption of the peace process. During her visit to the region in the previous week she stressed that message to both Israeli and Palestinian leaders.

We all know that we are at a most difficult point for the start of such an endeavour. Mistrust and misunderstanding between the two sides are perhaps higher now than they have been for many years. It is hoped the recent tragic events have opened the eyes of all responsible leaders to the price of the current inaction. If a political path is not laid out to bring an element of assurance and the current unacceptable occupation to an end, we will continue to see a further deterioration in relations in what is a tragic situation. I will have an opportunity to resume debate at European Union level at the next meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council which I understand is due to be held the week after next.

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