Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 28 Nov 2000

Vol. 526 No. 6

Written Answers. - Middle East Peace Process.

Gerry Reynolds

Question:

67 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has had negotiations with the other EU Foreign Ministers on the role the EU can play in bringing about a peaceful solution to the present conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. [27536/00]

Emmet Stagg

Question:

96 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the discussions he has had with other European Union Foreign Ministers in relation to the current crisis in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27523/00]

Trevor Sargent

Question:

156 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations he has made in relation to the ongoing violence in the Middle East. [27529/00]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 67, 96 and 156 together.

I refer the Deputies to my reply to the Priority Question asked by Deputy O'Keeffe. On the specific point of the role the EU can play, I reiterate that the EU already plays a major role and is willing to do all it can to support the peace process, in which the US is playing the central mediation role. Ireland fully participates in the EU's continuing efforts to defuse the current crisis and achieve a return to peace negotiations. The new role of High Representative Javier Solana in the commission of inquiry, as well as the role of Special Envoy Moratinos, demonstrate the EU's commitment to mediation efforts to resolve the conflict.