Written answers

Thursday, 8 March 2018

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

International Agreements

Photo of Clare DalyClare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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28. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will use his influence diplomatically at all international levels to persuade Greece and Cyprus to withdraw from their planned agreement with Israel for the supply of gas. [11690/18]

Photo of Simon CoveneySimon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The recent discovery of gas deposits in the eastern Mediterranean may make a contribution to efforts to enhance Europe’s gas security of supply through diversification of routes and sources. The proposed EastMed pipeline project, which would connect East Mediterranean resources to Greece via Cyprus and Crete, could contribute to the aim of creating a single European market for gas and a reliable and safe transmission network capable of meeting Europe's current and future needs. In that regard, increased cooperation and consultation between Greece and Cyprus and their maritime neighbours, including Israel, is a natural step. The European Union, and its Member States, have close economic ties with Israel, and positive relations with Israel in a range of areas. This partnership, and the areas on which we cooperate, do not prevent us from raising concerns with Israel on a range of issues, especially the many concerns related to Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian Territory.

In discussions with my EU colleagues, most recently at the Foreign Affairs Councils in January and February this year, I have stated that the EU must continue to work actively in support of progress in the Middle East Peace Process, but also that the EU must continue our own work, including work on the ground, to help preserve and create the political and physical space in which the two state solution can be achieved.

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