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

I again repeat the call for all sides to exercise restraint. The Irish Government and the European Union continue to state clearly that all violence against civilians must end, that both sides should avoid any provocation and that both sides should respect fully the existingstatus quo in respect of holy sites and places. In addition, the European Union is underlining that the lack of a political path is clearly exacerbating the sense of despair which may have fuelled some of the recent attacks. All parties should recommit themselves to a renewed effort to work for a political solution to the overall conflict. Only two weeks ago the EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini, visited Israel and Palestine to underline these messages in person. Earlier this year I, too, had the opportunity to visit the region, and last Friday I committed myself to writing on the matter of having this issue high on the agenda for the forthcoming meeting of EU Foreign Ministers on 16 November next.

I urge Deputy Pringle to read the High Representative's address to the European Parliament on 22 October last, in which she elaborated on the approach of the European Union. She stated clearly that two goals must be pursued in parallel - first, de-escalation on the ground and, second, perspectives on a political process. These two must go together. This issue continues to be more urgent than ever.

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