Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 31, 32 and 36 together.

On the US announcement, and the Government's position, I refer Deputies to my reply a few minutes ago to Priority Question No. 28, as well as to the statement which I issued on behalf of the Government on 6 December. I will not repeat my earlier reply but will add the following. The decision by the United States and its implications were discussed by EU foreign ministers both at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday and in the informal meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel which preceded it. Last week, many EU partners, like Ireland, had made statements of their own position following the US announcement. High Representative Mogherini had likewise issued a statement on behalf of the EU.

The EU and its member states have reaffirmed our belief in a two-state solution to the conflict, including the future of Jerusalem as a capital for both states, both Israel and Palestine. That remains our clear position. In the informal meeting on Monday, I stressed to Prime Minister Netanyahu the continuing necessity both for a solution based on two states, including a sovereign state of Palestine, and of a complete freeze on further settlement expansion, which is something I also made clear to him when I visited Israel four or five months ago.

There has understandably been a strong reaction in the region to the US decision, but I want to acknowledge that most Palestinians have expressed their anger and frustration peacefully. Regrettably, a small number have resorted to violence, including the firing of rockets from Gaza, which I condemn. At least two people have already lost their lives and I hope that all concerned will show restraint, both in protesting and in responding to peaceful protests, in order that no further lives are lost. Jerusalem has been a focus of tension and a flashpoint for violence in recent years. The international community has repeatedly called for all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that might increase those tensions. Unfortunately, that is what we saw last week.

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