Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

135. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which ongoing efforts remain to encourage re-engagement in the peace process in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14496/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

Ireland, along with our EU partners, supports the achievement of a two state solution to the Middle East conflict. This support includes political efforts to encourage a resumption of direct negotiations, which are ultimately the only way to achieve peace. It also includes action on the ground on human rights and justice issues affecting Palestinians under occupation, including settlement activity, which are progressively endangering the prospects of such a peace agreement. During my working visit to Israel and Palestine in January, on which I have reported to the House, I met with both President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu, as well as other representatives of the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and discussed with them reinvigorating the effort towards peace in the Middle East. In recent months the new United States administration has been exploring the possibilities for re-launching the process to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. This engagement is very welcome, and I have met myself with the US team to encourage their work, and to underline to them the key parameters for an agreement which the EU has long espoused.

In recent discussions with my EU colleagues, I have stated that the EU must continue to encourage an appropriate US initiative, but that the EU must also 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, and help to combat negative trends, including the deteriorating situation in Gaza. I am actively exploring with EU colleagues how this can best be done.

Immediately after my visit to the region in January, I spoke directly to the US authorities, and pressed strongly for the continuation of US support to UNRWA. Ireland has provided funding of €8 million to UNRWA’s Gaza Emergency Appeals since 2006, of which €500,000 was provided in 2017. In light of the exceptional circumstances UNRWA is facing, Ireland brought forward our 2018 core contribution to the Organisation’s Programme Budget. Earlier this month, Ireland pledged an additional €250,000 to the Agency.

I have given these issues a high priority in my work since assuming office, both at EU level and elsewhere, as I have reported to the House.