Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 271: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which he and his EU and UN colleagues are in discussions in the matter of the Arab-Israeli conflict; the degree to which he can report progress in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25952/08]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Together with its partners in the EU, Ireland is strongly committed to a negotiated and comprehensive settlement in the Middle East, with a two-State solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at its core. EU Foreign Ministers regularly discuss the Middle East Peace Process, and the EU, together with the US, Russia and the United Nations, participates in the Quartet, which seeks to advance and underpin the search for peace in the Middle East.

Ireland strongly supports the Annapolis process, launched under US auspices in November 2007, aimed at reaching agreement between Israel and the Palestinians by the end of this year. While few now expect that this deadline will be met, it is understood that some progress has been made in the discussions, which have been led by out-going Israeli Prime Minister, Ehud Olmert, and Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas. President Abbas briefed me during his recent visit to Dublin, explaining that while considerable work remained to be done, greater clarity and understanding has been achieved between the parties.

Following its most recent meeting in New York on 26 September, the Quartet commended the parties for their serious and continuous efforts to reach agreement, and expressed its desire to see the process continue. I hope that such progress as has been made can be built upon when new administrations are in place in Israel and the US, and that the process will lead to a lasting and just settlement.

I welcome the improved security situation in the West Bank, and hope that it will result in the urgent lifting of restrictions on access and movement for ordinary Palestinians, facilitating greater economic activity and growth.

The situation in Gaza, however, remains of serious concern. While I welcome the ceasefire that has been observed by Hamas and Israel since June, I believe that the situation on the ground remains critical. I have consistently called for an end to the isolation of the people of Gaza, in particular through the re-opening of crossing points for people and goods.

In my recent speech to the General Assembly of the United Nations, I stated my strong view that improving conditions on the ground in the Palestinian Territories would make a significant and critical contribution to creating the right context for talks between Israel and the Palestinians to succeed. I urged Israel to listen urgently to the concerned voice of the international community on the question of settlements, which continue to be built in the occupied Palestinian Territories. An end to their construction would be a strong and welcome signal of good faith. I also raised these concerns directly with Israeli Foreign Minister, Tzipi Livni, when I met with her in July.