Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 16: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his recent visit to the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5318/09]

Joe Costello (Dublin Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 50: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of his visit to Syria and Lebanon; the discussions which were held and the persons with whom they were held; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5207/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I propose to take Questions Nos. 16 and 50 together.

I refer Deputies to my earlier reply to Priority Question number 4.

I completed a very constructive visit to Syria, Lebanon and the United Arab Emirates between 1 — 5 February, my second visit to the Middle East as Minister for Foreign Affairs. The visit was timely given the recent conflict in Gaza and the prospects for efforts to revive an overall peace process in the region. The primary focus of the visit to the UAE, where I accompanied the President on her official visit, was on the promotion of trade and investment, although we had important discussions on political issues.

In Damascus I held extensive discussions on regional political issues with President Assad and with Foreign Minister Muallem. I also met with Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Al-Dardari to discuss bilateral economic issues, and with the Grand Mufti of Syria, Dr. Hassoun. I also briefly met with Irish officers serving with the UN Truce Supervisory Organisation.

In Lebanon I held meetings with President Suleiman as well as Prime Minister Siniora, Foreign Minister Salloukh and Parliament Speaker Berri. At Naqoura in southern Lebanon I was briefed by the UNIFIL Commander General Graziani and met with Irish Defence Forces and other personnel serving with UNIFIL.

In addition to accompanying the President in the UAE, I also met with the Deputy Foreign Minister, Dr. Al-Gargash, to whom I formally communicated the Government's decision to establish a resident Embassy in the country.

Discussions with President Assad covered the recent Gaza crisis and the role of Hamas, the Turkish-mediated Syria-Israel dialogue, relations with Lebanon, Iran, human rights and bilateral relations. President Assad expressed optimism that a durable ceasefire in Gaza was in prospect and offered assurances that Syria was working to encourage Hamas towards greater political engagement and to accept a process leading to a negotiated, two-State solution.

President Assad was also quite positive about the prospects for increased engagement between Syria and the United States, with the change of Administration in Washington DC.

Strong appreciation was expressed by Lebanese leaders for the Irish contribution to UNIFIL and also for the Irish role in the negotiation of the Cluster Munitions Convention, agreed in Dublin last May. Prime Minister Siniora urged greater EU engagement in the Middle East Peace Process, while warmly welcoming the appointment of Senator George Mitchell as US Middle East Envoy. Confirmation was offered by all leaders I met that relations between Lebanon and Syria were now improving. At the same time, there remains considerable inter-communal tension in advance of the general election scheduled for June. This emergency contribution is in addition to a comprehensive programme of support to the Palestinian people, which includes core funding to the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). This funding totalled €3.8 million in 2007 and 2008, with the same amount already allocated for 2009. Following a Resolution of the UN General Assembly, Ireland is now a member of UNRWA's Advisory Commission and will be represented at an emergency meeting of the Commission on 17 February.

A decision on further funding in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will be informed by the Advisory Commission meeting, and will respond to priority needs identified in the Flash Appeal.