Vol. 533 No. 2
58 Mr. McDowell asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has met or plans to meet the new Israeli Foreign Minister; the Government's view on the continuing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians; if he plans to take or support any new initiatives to help broker a lasting peace in the region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8417/01]
I have not yet had the opportunity to meet Mr Peres, who recently took up office as Foreign Minister of Israel, but I hope to be able to do so before long. In view of Ireland's current membership of the United Nations Security Council, it is important to develop and maintain close contact with my counterparts in the Middle East region.
The Government is deeply concerned at the crisis in the Middle East which has cost the lives of over 400 Palestinians and more than 40 Israelis in recent months. We have made our concern clear to both sides, at ministerial and official level. We deplore all acts of violence and call again on both sides to demonstrate the utmost restraint and to do more to avoid further bloodshed. In particular, we have called on Israel to lift the economic blockade of Palestinian communities which is causing acute hardship and weakening the Palestinian Authority, the key Palestinian interlocutor in the peace process.
From recent discussions with my French, German, Russian and US counterparts, I believe the European Union should consider how it can become more effectively engaged in working for a comprehensive resolution of the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. I am currently examining with my EU colleagues the possibilities in this regard, and will be discussing the issues involved at the European Council in Stockholm later this week.
I had discussions yesterday with Dr. Nabil Shaath, Palestinian Minister for Planning and International Co-operation. He briefed me on the latest situation in Palestine and developments since Prime Minister Sharon took office in Israel.
