asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Irish Government's position in respect of the recent United States' peace proposals regarding the Middle East.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Middle East Peace Proposals.
40.
I welcome the efforts by Secretary of State Shultz to establish a basis for negotiation between the parties directly concerned in the Arab-Israeli conflict. The recent disturbances on the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip have brought home once again the urgent necessity of seeking a political solution to the conflict so that progress can be made towards the achievement of a just, comprehensive and peaceful solution.
Ireland, together with its partners in the Twelve, is of the view that the only solution to the conflict, including the present disturbances in the occupied territories, is by means of a comprehensive, just and lasting political settlement in accordance with the 1980 Venice Declaration and subsequent Twelve declarations. At a meeting in Bonn on 8 February the Foreign Ministers of the Twelve reaffirmed the support of the Twelve for the convening of an international conference under the auspices of the United Nations as the suitable framework for negotiations between the parties directly concerned. I have made clear on a number of occasions Ireland's commitment to the convening of an international conference under UN auspices with the participation of the parties concerned and of any party able to make a direct and positive contribution to the restoration and maintenance of peace and to the region's economic and social development.
Would the Minister agree that the tide has gone out for this proposal which has been turned down by the Prime Minister of Israel and the Leader of the PLO?
Today the President of the Council of Ministers is having discussions with the Arab League on how to reactivate this process. We feel the Community approach is the more desirable, constructive and acceptable, particularly to the Arab countries. I do not have to tell the House how difficult the position is in regard to Israel but particularly in trying to get them to agree to sit down at a conference table. That is the dilemma that has to be faced.
Will the Minister agree that part of any solution there must be the recognition of Israel's right to exist and secure its own borders?
Of course, that is the quid pro quo, Israel's recognition of the PLO as negotiators on behalf of the people of Palestine and the recognition by the PLO, acting in that capacity, of the autonomy of Israel and whatever guarantees emerge from a conference to preserve the independence of Israel. Side by side with that must be a recognition of the PLO as the body entitled, to speak on behalf of the people of Palestine.
Will the Minister agree that because of our special relationship with Israel, including the fact that this is the birth place of the President of that country, it was all the more disturbing for us to see on our TV screens in the last three months occurrences in the occupied territories? Does the Minister recall the suggestion I made to him to call in the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland and complain to him about the brutality we have been witnessing on our television screens? Does the Minister recall me asking him to get his colleagues on the Council of Ministers to make a similar complaint to the Israeli Ambassadors in their capitals? Did the Minister follow up that suggestion?
Our views have been made known to the Israeli Ambassador, who, as the Deputy is aware, is resident in London. I should add that that is the view of the Community. What has taken place on the West Bank in occupied territories is not excuseable on any grounds.
Especially by our friends. I should like to ask the Minister if he noticed that when I agree with actions being taken by the Government I do not carp and that when I carp it is because I am dissatisfied with the approach of the Government in relation to the European Community or the North of Ireland? I will continue to carp in that regard.
I accept that.
I should like the permission of the Chair to raise on the Adjournment the possibility of obtaining for Cork the Ford components factory which was scheduled for Scotland.
I will communicate with the Deputy.