18 DFómh 2011, 16:43
The Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, Pat Breen TD., today warmly welcomed the release of Corporal Gilad Shailt as part of the prisoner release agreement between the Israeli Government and Hamas authority in Gaza.
Pat Breen TD, Chairman of the Joint Committee said \" The Joint Committee has on numerous occasions called for the release of Gilad Shalit and Palestinian prisoners in recent years and this development clears up a blockage to the peace process. Efforts should now intensify to secure a wider, sustainable peace in the region. The Governments of Egypt and Germany are to be commended particularly on their tireless role in the mediation that has led to such a positive outcome. It is an example of how consistent and focussed international engagement in the Middle East peace process can remove obstacles to a just and lasting peace. There is an obligation on the international community, and in particular on the quartet, to remain very actively engaged and to look for further opportunities for confidence –building.”
Further Information:
Verona Ní Bhroinn
Press and Public Relations Officer,
Communications Unit,
Leinster House,
Dublin 2.
Phone 01- 618 3881, mobile 087 2624132
Committee Membership:
Deputies:
Pat Breen, Eric Byrne, Bernard J. Durkan, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, Michael McNamara, Dara Murphy, Dan Neville, Seán Ó Fearghaíl and Maureen O’Sullivan.
Senators:
Deirdre Clune, Mark Daly, Lorraine Higgins, Michael Mullins, David Norris, Jim Walsh