Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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102. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the structures operational in the context of a peace process in the Arab-Israeli situation with particular reference to the need to establish a respected body capable of dealing with complaints from both sides; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28349/18]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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103. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if efforts are being made by the international community to encourage the restoration of a peace process in the Middle East with a view to addressing the concerns of the Palestinian authorities, Hamas and Fatah, pursuit of the two state solution and the need to establish dialogue with the Israeli authorities rather than allow a war to develop which will have serious consequences for all involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28350/18]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 102 and 103 together.

The Government’s policy on the Middle East has always been based on the belief that the two sides would need a degree of international assistance and pressure to reach a peace agreement. This is not dissimilar from our own peace process.

The structures operational in the context of the Middle East Peace Process are numerous and varied. From an international perspective there are a number of special envoys to the peace process, including a UN special coordinator, an EU Special Representative, a US special envoy, a Chinese special envoy, to name but a few. The Office of the Quartet also works as a bridge between the parties supporting Palestinian economic and institutional development and empowerment, a key factor in achieving a two-state solution. Despite the stagnation in the political process and worsening developments on the ground in recent months, there are a number of areas where the Israelis and Palestinians continue to cooperate, including on security.

For over a year the United States administration has been actively exploring the possibilities for re-launching the process to reach a comprehensive peace agreement. This is welcome and I have met with and spoken to the US team on a number of occasions to encourage their work, and to underline the key parameters for an agreement which the EU has long espoused.

I have urged the EU to encourage and engage with an appropriate US initiative. But I have also emphasized the need for the EU to continue our own work to help preserve and create the political and physical space in which the two-state solution can be achieved.

We expect to see a proposal from the US team in the coming months. In that regard it is important that any parameters which are advanced actually provide a basis on which both parties could agree. It remains to be seen what the US peace plan will propose.

I understand the concerns of the Palestinian leadership in relation to a US proposal. And I have made clear to the US that no peace plan can work without Palestinian acceptance. In that regard I have also urged President Abbas to keep an open mind on the US plans.

I am not convinced of the need to establish another body at this time capable of dealing with complaints from both sides. What is needed now is the resumption of direct talks, which are ultimately the only way to achieve peace. I am hopeful that the US peace plan, when it emerges, will provide a fair and workable basis for such talks to resume.