I propose to take Questions Nos. 32, 52, 63, 68 and 145 together.
The Government, both bilaterally and within the framework of the EU and UN, is seeking to encourage progress in the Middle East peace process.
On Monday, 22 November, the General Affairs and External Relations Council again considered the current situation in the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on the role which can be played by the EU in advancing efforts to resolve the conflict. The conclusions of the meeting re-emphasised that the EU will spare no effort to promote peace and security in the Middle East, both in the short term and in the longer term, within the broader political perspective. The Union is determined to co-ordinate its efforts with the parties involved and with its partners, in particular the Quartet members.
In its conclusions, the Council began by expressing its condolences to the Palestinian people on the occasion of President Arafat's death. The Council commended the approach of the current leadership in organising a smooth transition. The conclusions reaffirmed the EU's goals and policies with respect to the Middle East peace process. We called upon all parties to abstain from any provocative or violent action and to demonstrate the necessary courage and leadership in order to advance the peace process, as well as for an end to terrorism and hostilities.
The Council reiterated the EU's commitment to the programme of short-term concrete actions endorsed by the European Council earlier this month. We concluded that immediate action is required to support the presidential elections, to improve the security situation and to provide financial support to the Palestinian Authority.
We called on the Palestinian Authority to organise elections in accordance with international standards under the authority of an independent electoral commission and upon Israel to facilitate these elections. The Union is ready to assist the Palestinian Authority financially, technically and politically. We welcomed the Commission's intention to launch an election observation mission.
Palestinian institutions and the economy should be strengthened. Israel and other members of the international community have a shared responsibility to facilitate this. The EU called on all donors and the parties directly concerned to meet their commitments and, where possible, to step up their efforts.
I would hope the Euro-Mediterraean ministerial meeting next week in the Hague, at which I will represent Ireland, will provide a further opportunity for contacts both between the parties and with the EU.
At the UN, Ireland and the EU have repeatedly reaffirmed their support for efforts to resolve the conflict, most recently through my predecessor's address to the UN General Assembly on 22 September 2004, and in the Presidency's statement on behalf of all member states including Ireland at the UN Security Council on 5 October, in which the EU deplored the disproportionate nature of Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip and called upon Israel to fully respect the Fourth Geneva Convention.
The UN has adopted a very large number of resolutions on these issues over the years, and Ireland has consistently supported those resolutions which reflected the EU's commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict. I would note in particular our support for the UN General Assembly resolution adopted in July this year by an overwhelming majority in response to the International Court of Justice advisory opinion on the separation barrier.