Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 May 2004
120 Mr. Carey asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland, as part of its EU Presidency agenda, proposes to bring forward proposals to suspend the Euro-Mediterranean Association Agreement between Israel and the EU; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13741/04]
View answerIreland has no plans to bring forward proposals to suspend the association agreement between Israel and the EU. The Government has, however, on many occasions expressed its deep concern at the impact of actions taken by the Israeli Government on the human rights of Palestinians. The European Union has also regularly conveyed its concerns to the Israeli authorities about the human rights implications of its security policies. Together with our partners in the Union, we will continue to press the Israeli Government to respect fully its obligations under international humanitarian law, in particular the fourth Geneva Convention, and under Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. The Union once again conveyed its views to the Israeli authorities in a very clear manner at a meeting of the EU-Israel Association Council on 17-18 November of last year.
Notwithstanding our ongoing concerns, the Government is of the view that the suspension of the trade preferences contained in the association agreement would not be the most effective means of inducing a change in Israeli practices. The Government continues to believe that the appropriate approach is through dialogue with the Israeli authorities and by encouraging negotiation between Israelis and Palestinians. Furthermore, there is no likelihood under present circumstances that a proposal to suspend the trade preferences would achieve the necessary support from EU member states.
