Written answers

Tuesday, 8 March 2005

Department of Foreign Affairs

Middle East Peace Process

8:00 pm

Photo of Joe CostelloJoe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
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Question 96: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the impact the recent bombing in Tel Aviv will have on the recent ceasefires declared in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7698/05]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I have issued a statement condemning in the strongest terms the bomb attack in Tel Aviv last weekend, in which five people were killed. I also expressed my sympathies to those injured in the blast and to the families of those who died or were injured.

Such violence is particularly distressing at a time when the peace process is beginning to give rise to renewed hope for the people of the region. Violence has brought nothing but suffering to Palestinians and Israelis alike. A just and lasting peace is the only basis on which Palestinians and Israelis can live in security and prosperity. This requires compromise on all sides. Leaders with the courage to make compromises in the cause of a just and lasting peace deserve the support of their people and the international community.

I have called on all groups to cease violence and all governments to cease support for violence and incitement. I have also appealed to the Israeli Government not to allow those who carried out and supported this atrocity, with the purpose of provoking Israel and diverting it from the path to peace, to succeed in their aim. It is vital that both Israel and Palestine maintain their commitment to the undertakings entered into at the Sharm El Sheikh summit to bring an end to all violence in the region.

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