Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 120: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will take action to stop the slaughter in the Middle East and to raise the issue at the UN. [24038/04]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I share the concern which has been expressed about the continuing cycle of violence in the Middle East. I set out the Government's views in the debate on the adjournment which took place on 7 October. I unequivocally condemn the terrorist attacks by Hamas and other Palestinian groups which have taken place recently, including and in particular the killing of the young children, and demand their immediate end. I also call on the Palestinian Authority to act, to the fullest extent of its powers, to bring about a total ceasefire and put an end to such terrorist outrages.

I strongly urge the Israeli authorities to take every precaution to avoid causing civilian casualties and to conduct operations in full conformity with the obligations of international humanitarian law, including the Fourth Geneva Convention. We all recognise Israel's right and duty to protect its own citizens, but I am particularly concerned at the civilian casualties on the Palestinian side, including the many children killed or wounded, and the disproportionate force deployed by the Israel defence forces, including the bulldozing of Palestinian homes and economic infrastructure. I strongly support Kofi Annan's call for an end to the incursions. I have also expressed my horror at the appalling attacks directed against tourists in Red Sea resorts.

The Government has consistently spoken out on its position in the UN and in other international fora, most recently when my predecessor as Minister, Deputy Cowen, addressed the General Assembly in September. The Presidency, speaking on behalf of all member states including Ireland at the UN Security Council on 5 October, deplored the disproportionate nature of Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip and called upon Israel to fully respect the Fourth Geneva Convention.

The Government's position on the Israel-Palestine conflict has been one of consistent support for a peaceful solution. Together with our EU partners, we are working for a negotiated end to the conflict leading to two states, Israel and Palestine, living at peace within secure and recognised borders. The ongoing cycle of violence will not lead to a resolution of the conflict, but only postpone the day when an Israeli state and a Palestinian state can live side by side in peace and security. There is no substitute for political negotiations between the parties to the conflict leading to a lasting political settlement. I call on both parties to work for an immediate ceasefire as a prelude to renewed political contacts.

Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his plans to support the establishment of an independent state in western Sahara; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24044/04]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Ireland is a long-standing supporter of the right of the Saharawi people to self-determination. The Government played a prominent role in seeking a solution to the western Sahara dispute during its term on the Security Council. On 31 July 2003 the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1495 which, in addition to extending the mandate of the UN mission for the referendum in western Sahara, MINURSO, also recommended the acceptance by all sides of the "Baker II" plan. This plan was drawn up by Mr. James A. Baker during his term as personal envoy of the UN Secretary General and formally presented by the Secretary General to the Security Council for its endorsement on 23 May 2003.

The "Baker II" plan proposes a transitional period of four to five years during which western Sahara would be self-governing under Moroccan sovereignty. A western Sahara authority, WSA, under a chief executive would be responsible for local government, internal security, law enforcement, the economy, welfare and education, while Morocco would be responsible for foreign relations, national security and defence. At the end of five years, a referendum would be held giving residents a choice between independence, integration with Morocco or continued autonomy.

The Government believes that these proposals represent the best way forward towards a negotiated settlement of the issue which fully respects the right to self-determination of the Saharawi people. Algeria and the Polisario front have indicated their willingness to explore these proposals. Morocco continues to reject them. United Nations efforts, led by the Secretary General's special representative, continue with the strong support of the Government.