Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 38: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has discussed the Middle East peace process with his EU counterparts in recent months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26923/05]

Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 40: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the Middle East peace process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26892/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 38 and 40 together.

The Middle East peace process is a constant item on the agenda for the monthly meetings of the General Affairs and External Relations Council. At the most recent meeting of the Council which I attended in Luxembourg on 3 October, we discussed developments in the light of the Israeli disengagement from Gaza and adopted detailed conclusions setting out the priorities for progress in the period ahead.

In common with our partners in the EU, the Government firmly believes that the quartet roadmap remains the best framework for the achievement of a lasting resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The challenge now is to build on the progress of disengagement and to renew efforts towards full implementation of the roadmap. We are all agreed that there are obligations on both sides and that parallel movement will be required. The EU will strongly support Israel and the Palestinian Authority in renewing the momentum towards a peaceful settlement. We will continue to support the quartet special envoy, Mr. James Wolfensohn, in his efforts to broker agreement on a border regime for Gaza and on measures to give Gaza the prospect of a secure and economically viable future.

The Government and its partners in the EU will continue to encourage the Palestinian Authority to strengthen security. The violence of the past week has been disappointing. We strongly condemn terrorist attacks on Israel and we have urged the Israeli authorities to demonstrate appropriate restraint in their response. As I stated in my address to the UN General Assembly on 19 September, the Government also believes it is essential that Israel takes no further steps, including settlement expansion in the West Bank, which could jeopardise the viability of a two-state solution.