asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will outline the position the Irish Government has taken at the United Nations with regard to the Middle East conflict.
Written Answers. - Middle East Conflict.
34.
In my statement during the General Debate at this year's session of the UN General Assembly I underlined the fact that the divisions and instabilities of the Middle East are a matter of consistent concern and high priority.
Our approach to the Arab-Israeli conflict at the United Nations and in other fora is based on two fundamental principles: the right of all states in the region, including Israel to exist within secure frontiers and the right of the Palestinian people to self determination with all that this implies. Together with our partners in the Twelve we have made clear our commitment to the convening of an international peace conference on the Middle East under the auspices of the United Nations and I indicated our readiness to play an active role in assisting this process. In my statement to the General Assembly I urged all the parties concerned to renew and intensify their efforts to overcome those obstacles and differences which still stand in the way of the convening of a conference and I expressed our appreciation and support for the efforts of the UN Secretary General to this End.
Our concern is focused on two further areas of conflict in the region which continue to pose a threat to international peace and security, namely, the Iran-Iraq war and the situation in Lebanon. At the General Assembly I appealed to Iran and Iraq to recognise the futility of continuing this war and to accept the call of the Security Council for a ceasefire leading to a negotiated settlement. Together with our partners in the Twelve we have made clear our full support for the efforts of the UN Secretary General in seeking to secure urgent implementation by the belligerents of UN Security Council Resolution 598. This mandatory resolution adopted unanimously by the Security Council in July of this year represents the sole basis for a comprehensive, just, honourable and durable settlement of the conflict. We remain deeply concerned about the continuing instability and violence in the Lebanon. A practical manifestation of our efforts to contribute to stability in the Lebanon is our involvement in UNIFIL. In addressing events in the Lebanon I emphasised our deep concern about the difficulties facing the force in carrying out its mandate. We have also spoken out strongly against the practice of hostage taking and kidnapping mindful of the fact that an Irish citizen is among those missing, presumed kidnapped.