Written answers

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Middle East Peace Process

Photo of Gerry AdamsGerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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134. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he raised at the EU summit the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, which has seen efforts to revive the stalled initiative to encourage dialogue and agreement between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. [28982/14]

Photo of Eamon GilmoreEamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The direct Israeli-Palestinian peace talks were suspended at the beginning of May, as the parties were unable to agree a basis for their continuation beyond the agreed term. In effect, and despite some nine months of negotiations, there remained a complete absence of trust between them as to the purpose of the talks. There are at this point no direct moves being made to revive the stalled talks. The United States mediators have in effect told both parties, in my view quite reasonably, to reflect carefully on the opportunity that may be squandered and the possible costs that could follow. The recent tragic events in the area surely only underline this message.

In recent months the focus in the EU has, of course, been on supporting the then-ongoing talks process. Following the suspension, however, I believe that the EU needs to fundamentally reappraise its positions on the conflict, particularly in view of the ever-increasing risk of a breakdown of the political path and the risk of renewed large scale violence. The resumption of substantive talks will continue to be a priority, as only through talks can the occupation and the conflict be ended. However, in our view the EU also needs to increase pressure on key Israeli actions on the ground which are acting wholly against the prospects of reaching such a political solution. The publication last week by Ireland and the majority of our EU partners, of advice for businesses and citizens on the risks of commercial involvement with Israeli settlements represents an example of the kind of action we have in mind.

It is intended, subject of course to events, that this discussion will begin at the Foreign Affairs Council on 22 July.

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