Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 448: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has made contact with the new President of the Palestinian Authority; his plans to assist that new administration in seeking peace in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1064/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Taoiseach telephoned President Mahmoud Abbas to congratulate him on his success in the elections. In the course of this call, he assured President Abbas of Ireland's continuing support for efforts to bring an end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This contact also gave an opportunity for the Taoiseach to re-emphasise Ireland's consistent concern for the situation of the 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.

We are also in regular and ongoing contact with the Palestinian Authority through diplomatic channels. I intend to visit the Middle East region in the coming weeks when I hope to meet with President Abbas.

It is of the utmost importance, now that the elections have taken place, that political negotiations be renewed at a very early date, with a view to concrete progress. Prospects for this progress will depend on all parties demonstrating a renewed vigour and determination to achieve results.

The Government stands ready, in concert with our EU partners, to assist the Palestinian Authority in their efforts to move forward on the basis of the roadmap. Ireland, through its membership of the European Union, and its relations with Israel, the United States, Arab and other key partners will strongly support early action, led by the Quartet, to advance the implementation of the roadmap.