Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 235: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of his efforts, towards seeking peace in Palestine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27129/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The Government continues to work with its partners in the European Union to advance efforts for a peaceful and lasting resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Consideration of the Middle East peace process has been a central element in my contacts in recent months with political leaders from the region, and in my discussions in the UN context and at meetings of EU Foreign Ministers.

In July, I visited the region in my capacity as envoy of the UN Secretary General. On 12 July, I met with the Israeli Foreign Minister, Mr. Silvan Shalom, and the Israeli Vice Premier, Mr. Shimon Peres. I also met in Ramallah with the Palestinian Authority's President, Mr. Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister, Mr. Ahmed Qurei, Foreign Minister, Mr. Nasser Al-Kidwa and Planning Minister, Mr. Nabil Kassis. In addition to discussing issues relating to UN reform, we had wide-ranging talks on our bilateral relations and on the course of the peace process.

I had further discussions with the Egyptian Minister, Mr. Al-Kidwa and Foreign Minister, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit on 15 September, while I was in New York for the UN summit. In my address to the UN General Assembly on 19 September, I highlighted the importance which Ireland, and the international community, attaches to the achievement of a lasting peace in the Middle East.

I welcomed the courage and commitment shown by the Israeli Government in ensuring that the initial phase of disengagement from Gaza proceeded peacefully. I welcomed the determination of the Palestinian Authority to take full advantage of the opportunity presented by the withdrawal. Disengagement has been an important advance. The challenge facing the parties now is to build on this progress and to renew efforts towards full implementation of the international quartet roadmap. The Government will ensure Ireland plays a constructive role, in co-operation with the parties and with the international community, in the continuing efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the region.