Human Rights Issues.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 June 2004

Thursday, 24 June 2004

Questions (77)

Joe Costello

Question:

72 Mr. Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his response to the letter of protest sent by the Israeli Government expressing disgust at his statement that Israeli forces had displayed disregard for human life during the military operation in Gaza’s Rafah area; if he sent a reply to the Israeli Government following receipt of their letter; the content of any such letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18836/04]

Written answers

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I have received no letter from the Israeli Government concerning any statement of mine. I am aware that the Israelis expressed dissatisfaction at some of my comments on the activities of their forces in the Gaza Strip in May which had also been the subject of criticism by the UN Security Council and the broad international community, but this has not been the subject of correspondence.