David Stanton
Question:65 Mr. Stanton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his November 2002 meeting with Mr. Richard Haass. [26495/02]
Written Answers. - Ministerial Meetings.
Since his appointment by President Bush as Ambassador-at-Large with overall responsibility for Ireland, Ambassador Haass and I have met on a number of occasions. During the ambassador's most recent visit to Ireland on 21 November, we reviewed political developments in Northern Ireland and I took the opportunity to reiterate the Government's commitment to the full implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. I stressed the importance of ensuring that all sides play their part in rebuilding confidence and in creating a context in which devolved government in Northern Ireland can be restored in advance of the scheduled elections. In addition, I emphasised the Government's determination to work closely with those involved to resolve all outstanding difficulties, including in the vital area of policing. We also exchanged views on a range of international matters, including the Middle East and India-Pakistan. In relation to the Middle East, I stressed the importance of the work of the Quartet and, in particular, its efforts to agree a roadmap for the creation of a Palestinian state.
Ambassador Haass and I subsequently met again during my meeting with Secretary of State, Colin Powell, in Washington on 25 November. On both occasions I availed of the opportunity to reiterate the Government's appreciation of ongoing US support for the peace process.
Question No. 66 answered with Question No. 37.