Phil Hogan
Question:57 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with the Palestinian Authority continued suicide bombings in Israel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26506/02]
Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.
I have consistently condemned suicide bomb attacks in my public statements and in my contacts with the parties to the conflict in the region. These views are regularly conveyed to the Palestinian Authority through diplomatic channels. As I stated in response to a number of earlier attacks, the attacks are intended to derail hopes of peace and the possibility of progress in negotiations. They are carried out against the express wishes of the elected Palestinian leadership and despite its efforts to prevent such attacks. The suicide bombers must not be allowed to succeed. I also called on the Palestinian leadership to take whatever steps remain within its power to thwart future attacks of this kind. Ireland's complete rejection of terrorism in all its forms is well known to the parties to the conflict.
There can be no military solution to this conflict. Only negotiation can bring about an end to violence. This will allow Israel and a Palestinian state to live in peace and security within internationally recognised borders.