Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 15: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees with the views expressed by Mr. Tony Blair in his Lord Mayor's speech that Syria and Iran now need to be brought into the peace process for the Middle East; the views of the Government regarding these two countries; the steps taken to improve diplomatic relations with these two countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39587/06]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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Question 72: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the current situation in Iran, especially with regard to the need for Iranian officials to engage with counterparts in the United States; and any offer of support for such talks which Ireland has made. [39554/06]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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Question 198: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he agrees with the views expressed by Mr. Tony Blair in his Lord Mayor's speech that Syria and Iran need to be brought into the peace process for the Middle East; his views in relation to these two countries; the steps taken to improve diplomatic relations with these two countries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39808/06]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 15, 72 and 198 together.

The conflict in Lebanon and the ongoing crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territories have underlined the urgent need for a renewed international effort towards a comprehensive settlement of the inter-related problems of the Middle East. At the heart of such a settlement must be a negotiated two-State solution to the Israeli — Palestinian conflict. This is the only way forward for the Israeli and the Palestinian people. It is in the interests of Israel and of its neighbours, and it would remove a major source of the instability and tension across the Middle East which remains probably the greatest single threat to international peace and security.

There is a strong view among EU Member States, which the Government shares, that any effort to reach a comprehensive settlement must take into account, and where possible accommodate, the concerns of all the key regional actors, which include Syria and Iran. Engagement with Syria and Iran by all concerned could be a very positive step, but it would nonetheless need to be carefully prepared. The possibilities and basis for such engagement are currently the subject of consideration and discussion within the EU, in Israel and across the Middle East, and in the United States. I welcome Prime Minister Blair's recent contribution to this debate. Clearly, Syria and Iran can also play a politically valuable role in the stabilisation of Iraq.

The importance of Syria to an overall Middle East settlement is evident. Syria is the only one of Israel's neighbours with which a state of war technically still exists. A comprehensive peace must by definition involve Syria, which continues to seek the return of land occupied by Israel in 1967. It is encouraging that Syria has in recent years defined its goal as the achievement of a peace with Israel which will return the Golan Heights to Syria. Less encouraging, however, has been Syria's continued support for armed groups, the use of its territory to supply weapons to Hezbollah, and its long standing interference in the political affairs of Lebanon.

Iran for its part, while not bordering Israel or Palestine, has significant concerns as a regional power with wide interests. It could potentially play a positive role in the promotion of a two-State solution, but regrettably has chosen so far not to do so. It continues to reject the Oslo process and to support violent groups. It has provided weapons to Hezbollah and others. Repeated extreme statements by President Ahmadinejad on the Holocaust and the existence of Israel have increased regional tensions. It plays an increasingly influential role in neighbouring Iraq. Aspects of Iran's nuclear programme have also seriously alarmed its neighbours and considerably added to fears of instability in the region.

In a major effort to resolve the nuclear issue diplomatically, the EU proposed in June a very significant package of measures which could bring about a new and improved relationship between Iran and the wider international community, including in regard to Iran's security. Unfortunately Iran has not so far responded positively to this offer. The offer remains on the table and the door to a more positive dialogue remains open, even as the situation receives consideration in the UN Security Council.

Iran's relative international isolation has, of course, been heightened by the serious difficulties in its relations with the United States over several decades. The Government has warmly welcomed the support of the United States for the EU's efforts to engage constructively with Iran. I believe that it would be helpful if Iran and the US were in due course to agree to engage in direct contacts on regional and international issues.