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Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 11 Mar 1997

Vol. 476 No. 2

Written Answers. - Israeli Settlements.

Ray Burke

Question:

47 Mr. R. Burke asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will give details of the Government's and the EU's response to the Israeli decision to build homes for settlers in Arab east Jerusalem; and the steps, if any, being taken by the Government as a member of the EU Troika to resolve the situation and advance the Middle-Eastern peace process. [6602/97]

In the Dáil on 26 February, the Taoiseach expressed concern about the decision which was expected to be taken later that day by the Israeli cabinet to proceed with the construction of the new housing units at Jabal Abu Ghneim-Har Homa. Following the announcement of the decision, the Tánaiste issued a statement which set out the Government's position on settlements in detail. The statement reaffirmed that settlements in the occupied territories contravene international law and are a major obstacle to peace, and stressed that East Jerusalem is subject to the principles set out in UN Security Council Resolution 242, notably the inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force. The statement further noted that the EU does not recognise Israeli sovereignty over East Jerusalem. The Tánaiste called on Israel to reconsider its decision to proceed with the construction of these new housing units.

Prior to the official announcement, the Troika of EU representatives in Tel Aviv met with a senior official of the Israeli Foreign Ministry on 24 February to express the deep concern of the European Union that an extension of settlements in the Jerusalem area would hamper the peace process. The Troika underlined the Union's wish that the parties to the peace process should refrain from actions which would change the status quo on the ground and which prejudge the outcome of the permanent status negotiations, which are due to resume on 17 March.

Following the announcement, the President of the Council of Ministers issued a statement on behalf of the European Union. The statement deplored the decision of the Israeli Government to approve the construction plans, and called on Israel to refrain from measures that have an eroding effect on the confidence necessary for further implementation of the existing Israeli-Palestinian agreements. The statement also reaffirmed the Union's view, as set out most recently in the declaration adopted by the European Council in Dublin in December, that settlements in the occupied territories contravene international law and are a major obstacle to peace.

On 7 March, the four European Union partners which are members of the United Nations Security Council tabled a draft resolution, expressing deep concern at the construction of a settlement at Jabal Abu Ghneim-Har Homa. The draft resolution called on Israel to refrain from all actions which pre-empt the permanent status negotiations and — as the occupying power — to abide by its legal obligations and responsibilities under the Geneva Convention of 1949 relative to the protection of civilians in time of war, which is applicable to all territories occupied by Israel since 1967. The draft resolution also called on all parties to continue their negotiations within the Middle East peace process on its agreed basis, and the timely implementation of the agreements reached. The draft resolution, however, was vetoed by the United States.
Ireland, along with its partners in the European Union will continue to encourage all parties to advance the Middle East peace process, and not to take any action which would prejudge the outcome of the permanent status negotiations, including the issue of the Status of Jerusalem.
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