Written answers

Tuesday, 11 March 2008

Department of Foreign Affairs

Middle East Peace Process

8:00 pm

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 106: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his colleagues at EU and UN level have engaged in discussions with both groups in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; if specific initiatives are being pursued which might have the effect of addressing the ongoing contentious issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10262/08]

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 127: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will take action in response to the latest Israeli military incursion into Gaza resulting in the deaths of 116 Palestinians including 22 children. [10254/08]

Photo of Aengus Ó SnodaighAengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 129: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will call on all other EU member states to suspend preferential trade with Israel in view of the latest Israeli military incursion into Gaza resulting in the deaths of 116 Palestinians including 22 children. [10255/08]

Photo of Ciarán LynchCiarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 130: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of discussions to which he and his officials have been party as part of the international quartet charged with heading the peace talks in Israel and Palestine on foot of the latest atrocities perpetrated in the Gaza area. [10274/08]

Photo of Shane McEnteeShane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 141: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the protests he has made to the Palestinian representatives with respect to the recent rocket attacks on Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10331/08]

Photo of Shane McEnteeShane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 147: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the protests he made to the Israeli Embassy with regard to the recent attacks on Gaza which resulted in many deaths, including children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10330/08]

Photo of Finian McGrathFinian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 274: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will take action in relation to the ongoing massacre in the Gaza Strip, Palestine; and if he will raise this matter at UN level. [10077/08]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 281: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the action he has taken, together with his EU colleagues, to address the worsening situation in the Middle East; if he has taken or proposes to take particular initiatives in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10701/08]

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which discussions have taken place at EU level on the issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict; the extent to which proposals have emanated therefrom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10709/08]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 106, 127, 129, 130, 141, 147, 274, 281 and 289 together.

I have already outlined the Government's views on the appalling violence in Israel and the Occupied Territories and its implications for the political process in my earlier reply to a Priority Question on the issue. I have spoken clearly in a number of public statements and in the Oireachtas over the past ten days on my concerns about the rise in violence, and especially the horrific toll of civilian casualties, both Israelis and Palestinians. The Government's views have been conveyed directly to the Israeli authorities, to the Palestinian Authority and to other States in the region. I also discussed the situation in detail at the meeting of the General Affairs and External Relations Council which I attended in Brussels yesterday. I expect that the European Council later this week will reaffirm the determination of the European Union to play its role, in cooperation with its international partners, in restoring credibility to the political process. It remains a strategic priority for the Union to contribute to the achievement of a two-State solution. I have argued for some time that the EU can strengthen its efforts in this regard, both directly with the parties in the region and through the international Quartet.

The Government's basic message is that the only way forward for Israelis and Palestinians is to end the violence, including all attacks against Israel and all Israeli military operations in the Occupied Territories, and to work for agreement on final status issues in accordance with the objectives and timetable agreed at Annapolis last November.

There have been calls for suspension or review of the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement with Israel in protest at military operations and human rights violations. The Government is opposed to any such move, which would in any case require consensus within the European Union. It would not serve the interests of any of the parties. Meetings of the Association Council with Israel provide the opportunity for the EU to highlight its concerns on the human rights implications of Israel's security policies. Furthermore, any proposal to suspend or review the terms of the agreement would result in a divisive debate which would divert attention from the absolute need to restore momentum to the peace process. It could also result in further difficulties in ensuring the delivery of assistance to the Palestinian people. I should add that the Government is also opposed to any proposals for cultural, academic or other boycotts against Israel.

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