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

I will do my best, a Leas-Cheann Comhairle.

Regarding those who were invited, I have explained to those in Washington who were putting together a peace plan, to the Israeli ambassador and to an Israeli Minister who telephoned to discuss something else, why I did not think it would be helpful to have Israeli representatives at that meeting. We are trying to have a free and open debate, not an argument, and to get an understanding and a perspective of the Palestinian frustration at lack of progress. It has been a very difficult 18 months for the Middle East peace process, for Palestinians in particular. This was about a meeting of countries that want a viable solution for both Palestinians and Israelis, but, of course, there was a big focus on the Palestinian perspective as part of that discussion. There will be many forums in the future, as there has been, that will focus on the Israeli perspective which I think I also understand pretty well, having met many Israelis to discuss it on many occasions.

We have said that if there is no progress on a Middle East peace process, we would look at the issue of recognition again and we will. The commitment in the programme for Government is recognition-----

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