Phil Hogan
Question:67 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the progress to date on the road map in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian situation. [9987/03]
Written Answers. - Middle East Peace Process.
Mary Upton
Question:113 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the Quartet road map in relation to the Middle East; the views of the Government to the plan; if it is a final document or open to amendment or revision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9872/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 67 and 113 together.
The quartet road map has been developed after long and careful consultation between the quartet members – the United States, the European Union, Russia and the United Nations. A text was agreed at the ministerial level meeting in Washington on 20 December 2002, but has not yet been formally adopted and presented to the parties. President Bush indicated on 14 March that he wishes to see the roadmap presented to the parties as soon as the new Palestinian Government has been formed and approved by the Palestinian Legislative Council. This is expected to happen before the middle of April.
The current text of the road map was endorsed by the quartet members in December last. The Palestinian Authority has indicated that the text as it stands is acceptable. The Government of Israel has expressed reservations about certain aspects of the road map. While Ireland and our EU partners consider that the road map should be adopted as it stands, it will be open to the members of the Quartet and the parties to make amendments by common consent and in the light of changing circumstances over the implementation period of the roadmap.
The current crisis in Iraq makes it all the more imperative that there should be visible progress on the Middle East peace process and that the publication and implementation of the roadmap should not be further delayed.