Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 6 May 2004
120 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that five Israeli conscientious objectors are serving the second year of confinement in Israeli jails due to their refusal to serve the Israeli occupation in the Palestinian territories. [13069/04]
View answer121 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the case of five persons (details supplied), who have offered to do community instead of military service, has been recognised both by Amnesty International and the working group on arbitrary detention established by the UN. [13070/04]
View answer122 Mr. Cuffe asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make representations to the Israeli authorities for the release of persons (details supplied) on humanitarian grounds. [13071/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 120 to 122, inclusive, together.
I am aware of the cases raised by the Deputy. I am also aware of the international respect and support for the persons named. However, as their position is the subject of further legal action within Israel, I do not feel that it would be appropriate for me to make representations to the Israeli Government concerning their cases at this time.
The position of the European Union concerning the situation in the Middle East, including in regard to Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, is reflected in the statement issued by the quartet following its meeting in New York this past Tuesday, 4 May. As President of the Council of Ministers, I led the EU delegation in that meeting and I have arranged for the statement to be placed in the Oireachtas Library.
