Written answers

Wednesday, 22 February 2006

Department of Foreign Affairs

Middle East Peace Process

9:00 pm

Photo of Jimmy DeenihanJimmy Deenihan (Kerry North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 133: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of peace talks in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6818/06]

Photo of Mary UptonMary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 152: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the survival of the Quartet roadmap for peace in the view of the recent statement by the acting Prime Minister of Israel that Israel intends to retain control over east Jerusalem and two thirds of the illegal settlements in the West Bank, that it will include the Jordan Valley in an extension of its borders, and that it will do so within a period of two years by unilateral action if necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6984/06]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 152 together.

The Government and its partners in the EU firmly believe that a lasting and peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can only be found through a negotiated, mutually-satisfactory two-state solution. The principles and steps set out clearly in the quartet roadmap continue to provide the only available framework for such a settlement.

The meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, which I attended in Brussels on 30 January, reviewed developments in the peace process in the light of the outcome of the Palestinian legislative elections. It urged the Palestinian Legislative Council to support the formation of a government committed to a peaceful and negotiated settlement of the conflict based on existing agreements and on the terms of the roadmap. We and our EU partners are closely following developments on the formation of a new government.

The EU and the quartet have made it clear that Israel and the Palestinian Authority must adhere to their obligations under the roadmap, and avoid any unilateral actions which would prejudice final status issues. The EU has repeatedly stated that it will not recognise any change to the pre-1967 borders other than those arrived at by agreement between the parties.

The Government, together with our partners in the EU, will continue to support those Israeli and Palestinian political leaders with the courage to take the difficult decisions necessary for a negotiated settlement. I expect that in the weeks and months ahead the international community will remain united in support of a settlement which entails the creation of a democratic and viable Palestinian state, living in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.