Vol. 531 No. 1
64 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position in relation to the Middle East fact finding commission agreed at Sharm-el-Sheikh, on which the EU high representative, Javier Solana, represented the European Union; and the impact of the recent elections in Israel on its work. [5018/01]
Ireland, with our EU partners, supports the fact finding commission of inquiry agreed at Sharm-el-Sheikh, led by Senator George Mitchell, and on which EU high representative, Javier Solana, represents the European Union. We see the commission as a significant confidence building measure agreed by both sides. It is, therefore, a matter of great concern that in the lead up to the Israeli election the fact finding commission was postponed and Israeli co-operation with the technical staff on the ground ceased. We urge the Israeli Government to fully re-engage with the work of the commission. This will be an important measure to help rebuild the confidence and trust which are essential to the success of every peace process.
