Written answers

Wednesday, 26 January 2005

Department of Foreign Affairs

Middle East Peace Process

9:00 pm

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 444: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding developments in the Middle East between the Palestinians and Israelis; and the role which Ireland is playing in these issues. [34574/04]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Mahmoud Abbas Abu Mazen was elected President of the Palestinian Authority with a solid majority on 9 January. The EU election observation mission reported that the conduct of the election was generally satisfactory considering the difficult circumstances surrounding it. AbuMazen's election has been welcomed by the international community. President Bush has invited him to Washington, while Prime Minister Sharon congratulated Abu Mazen on his election and undertook to engage in discussions with him.

The Government continues to be concerned about ongoing violence in the region; both terrorist attacks against Israeli targets and Israeli military action in response. We would encourage both sides to do their utmost to bring a halt to the cycle of violence so that there can be a return to negotiation. The Government, both bilaterally and within the framework of the EU and UN, will continue its efforts to encourage progress in the Middle East Peace Process. The EU has consistently stated its readiness to assist the Palestinian Authority financially, technically and politically. At the UN, Ireland and the EU have repeatedly reaffirmed their support for efforts to resolve the conflict.

The European Council of 16 and 17 December, in its declaration on the Middle East peace process, welcomed efforts by the Palestinian leadership to ensure a democratic transition in the occupied Palestinian Territory. Israelis and Palestinians were encouraged to continue to co-operate closely in the run-up to the Palestinian presidential elections in January 2005. The Council also reiterated its commitment to the achievement of a negotiated two-state solution through the roadmap, and expressed its willingness to support an Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip and part of the West Bank as a first step in the overall process, in accordance with the conditions set out by the March 2004 European Council.

The Taoiseach has congratulated President Abbas on his success in the elections and pledged Ireland's continuing support for efforts to bring an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He recalled Ireland's long-standing concern for the situation of Palestinian people and the Government's ongoing commitment to supporting international efforts to bring about a lasting peace in which two states, Israel and Palestine, can live side by side in peace and co-operation.

The Taoiseach also indicated the Government's readiness to assist the Palestinian Authority in their efforts to move forward on the basis of the roadmap and he urged Mr. Abbas to work vigorously to ensure that Palestinians meet their obligations under it. He pledged that Ireland, through its membership of the European Union, and its relations with Israel, the United States, Arab and other key partners would strongly support early action, led by the Quartet, to advance the implementation of the roadmap.

I intend to visit the region in the coming period to encourage the parties to pursue the present opportunities for progress and to explore possibilities for Ireland to further assist them along the path to lasting peace.

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