Michael D. Higgins
Question:9 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiative the quartet proposes to take on its proposals known as the road map for peace in the Middle East. [26695/03]
Other Questions. - Middle East Peace Process.
Damien English
Question:73 Mr. English asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the status of the Middle East road map to a peaceful settlement of the long-standing conflict. [26799/03]
Bernard J. Durkan
Question:141 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the initiatives he is pursuing with a view to influencing policy in the Middle East with particular reference to the Arab-Israeli conflict; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27051/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 9, 73 and 141 together.
The most recent meeting of the quartet at ministerial level took place in New York on 26 September. Since then the quartet members have maintained contact at official level, both among themselves and with the principal parties to the conflict. A further meeting at ministerial level is envisaged, possibly before the end of this year.
I regret to have to state that, to date, neither party has met its obligations under the road map. It is essential that a ceasefire should be re-established quickly and that a package of measures to restart the road map should be implemented by the two sides acting in parallel.
As holder of the EU Presidency during the first half of 2004, it will fall to Ireland to represent the European Union within the quartet. I very much hope to see, with the co-operation of the other participants, the road map given new impetus during this period.
An Leas-Cheann Comhairle
I appeal to the Deputy for brevity as we must adjourn at 4.45 p.m.
In many circles the quartet is perceived as being as dead as a doornail. I wish this were not the case. It is sometimes described as the US-supported quartet proposals for peace, which is unhelpful. Does the Minister take hope from the Geneva declaration by those interested in breaking the impasse in the quartet proposals to which he referred? It seems to have been welcomed more widely than expected, even if it is an unofficial document. Will the Minister indicate the Irish and the incoming EU Presidency view on the Geneva proposals?
I agree with an earlier reply of the Minister stating the need to be even-handed in our dealings with the region. I hope I have met that criterion in everything I have said. Will the Minister join me in condemning any suggestion of walling or railing off the West Bank? This would create a prison of the area for the Palestinian people and is so outrageous that it should not be contemplated by any civilised government. Will the Minister confirm that he has raised this matter? Does he see any hope of common sense prevailing and this proposal of the Israeli Government not proceeding?
I have made statements regarding the specific issue raised. The European Union, through Mr. Javier Solana, has continually tried to deal with the issue. Mr. Kofi Annan has raised concerns about realities of activities in the region making the possibility of a two-state solution more difficult, should we get to a negotiating table.
I welcome the recent emergence of ideas on a peace plan from the Geneva accord as a development within the context of the quartet road map. I believe the road map contains all the elements for a permanent solution. There is no room for further international initiatives other than the framework of the road map. It confirms that there are people of good faith on both sides who continue to search for peace. They want to indicate, despite the pessimistic outlook of some looking at the situation, that they will continue to try to demonstrate that rational discourse with civil society on both sides is possible.
Although only the contents of the draft document have been made public, I am pleased to note that the initiative proposes a solution to final status issues such as the right of return to Palestinians and the division of Jerusalem. I look forward to the publication of the full text of the agreement which I hope will provide an impetus for dialogue and negotiations between the two sides in the conflict.
Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.