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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 11 Dec 2003

Vol. 577 No. 1

Other Questions. - Foreign Conflicts.

John Bruton

Question:

12 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will join France and Belgium in offering assistance for the promotion of the Geneva peace plan negotiated unofficially between Israelis and Palestinians; and his views on the peace plan. [30238/03]

Dan Boyle

Question:

75 Mr. Boyle asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position on the Geneva accord on Israeli-Palestinian peace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30502/03]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 12 and 75 together. I refer the Deputies to my reply to Priority Question No. 2.

Following from the Minister's replies to priority questions, does he see a way forward for the proposals of the representatives of the Palestinian and Israeli oppositions? Clearly, the Israeli Government takes a very strong view on the talks. Does the Minister expect progress in the foreseeable future on the discontinuance of the building of the partition wall on the West Bank? Are the efforts of the European Union being advanced and what initiatives will be taken during Ireland's Presidency of the European Union to maintain the momentum of the peace process in the Middle East?

We are trying to make sure we have a ceasefire on all sides. We are operating against a very difficult background and I refer the Deputy to my detailed responses to priority questions on this subject. We must not become fatalistic or too pessimistic and must continue to work with everyone of good will and speak to the wider community. There are many on both sides doing courageous work trying to maintain basic human contact and dialogue. Despite a pessimistic political outlook, we have to bring every pressure we can to bear on those who have leverage to meet the responsibilities that exist. There is a security threat not only in the immediate area of conflict, but also in the wider region and throughout the world. The conflict in Iraq compounds the situation.

Written Answers follow Adjournment Debate.

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