John Perry
Question:52 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps, if any, he and his EU colleagues are taking to advance the Middle East peace process. [25473/99]
Written Answers. - Middle East Peace Process.
I am availing of all appropriate opportunities, both in bilateral contacts and in multilateral discussions, including in the European Union, to encourage the Middle East peace process.
The agreement signed at Sharm-el-Sheik on 4 September reflected the commitment of the new Israeli Government to move forward with negotiations on all outstanding issues. In bilateral meetings which I had with a number of Foreign Ministers in New York attending the UN General Assembly in late September, I stressed the full support of the Government for this process.
I have also supported fully the involvement of the European Union. The Union affords political and economic support for a negotiated settlement in the Middle East, to reflect the principle of "land for peace" and to ensure the security, both collective and individual, of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples. It does so on the political level through the work of its special envoy, its meetings with leaders of the various parties involved in the peace process, and its activities in relevant international organisations, in particular the United Nations.
The Union is exploring with parties in and outside the region how, against the background of progress on the Palestinian track, early progress can be achieved on the multilateral, the Syrian and the Lebanese tracks.
On the economic level, the European Union also provides significant financial and technical support. The union and its member states are the largest donors of international aid to the region in support of the peace process. The Union also provides technical assistance in critically important areas such as water and refugees.