I propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 35 together.
I am not aware that any official Israeli spokesman has suggested that relations with the European Union would deteriorate under the Irish Presidency. Relations between Ireland and Israel are well established and friendly and I would expect that, during our Presidency, we should have the opportunity to build on those relations. In the European Union's dealings with other states, the role of the Presidency is to present the positions of the Union on the basis of agreed positions acceptable to all its member states.
During our Presidency Ireland will work within the international quartet to advance the roadmap and achieve a two state solution. The road map contains all the elements, which must form part of any comprehensive settlement.
I met my Israeli counterpart in Brussels on 18 November, in the margins of the General Affairs and External Relations Council, and discussed with him the Irish approach to the Middle East conflict during our Presidency. I assured him that we would play an active role as the representative of the European Union in the international quartet. In addition, we had an exchange of views on other issues, including the question of Ireland sponsoring a resolution condemning anti-semitism at the current session of the United Nations in New York.