Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 55: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the withdrawal from Gaza as a first step or as an alternative to the roadmap for peace proposals of the quartet. [26844/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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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 EU consistently welcomed Israel's plans for disengagement from the Gaza Strip and parts of the northern West Bank, on the basis that it would represent a step in the renewal of efforts towards full implementation of the roadmap. The March 2004 European Council agreed that, if this were to be the case, withdrawal should take place in the context of the roadmap; that it should be a step towards a two-state solution; that it must not involve a transfer of settlement activity to the West Bank; that there must be an organised and negotiated handover of responsibility to the Palestinian Authority; and that Israel should facilitate the rehabilitation and reconstruction of Gaza.

I have warmly welcomed the courage and commitment shown by the Government of Israel in ensuring that the initial phase of disengagement from Gaza proceeded peacefully, and ahead of schedule. I have also welcomed the determination of the Palestinian Authority to take full advantage of the opportunity presented by the withdrawal. It is important that the parties build on this progress and renew their efforts towards full implementation of the roadmap. They must maintain their efforts to reach agreement on the steps required under the Wolfensohn action plan, concerning free the movement of people and goods into and out of Gaza. It is in the interests of all parties that Gaza now has a real prospect of stability, security and economic recovery.