Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 January 2005
468 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland sent observers to the Palestinian elections to ensure against intimidation and harassment of voters by the Israeli Defence Forces. [1544/05]
View answerIreland contributed six observers to the European Union's election observation mission for the Palestinian presidential elections. The mission confirmed that the Palestinian presidential elections proceeded in a satisfactory manner given the difficult circumstances. The European Union welcomed the considerable turnout of voters at the first presidential elections since 1996 and noted that by taking part in the elections the Palestinian people seized the opportunity to advance their aspirations to peace and democracy.
469 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on his most recent representations to the Israelis regarding the need to convene peace talks without preconditions. [1545/05]
View answerIreland has consistently emphasised its commitment to supporting international efforts to bring about a lasting peace in which two states, Israel and Palestine, can live side by side in peace and co-operation. This position is well understood by all parties and is conveyed in the Government's regular contacts with the Israeli government. I set this position out during my most recent discussions with my Israeli counterpart in The Hague on 29 November last year.
It is of the utmost importance now that the Palestinian presidential elections have taken place that political negotiations be renewed at a very early date with a view to concrete progress. Prospects for this progress will depend on all parties demonstrating a renewed vigour and determination to achieve results. The Government stands ready, in concert with our EU partners, to assist the Palestinian Authority in its efforts to move forward on the basis of the roadmap. Ireland, through its membership of the European Union, and its relations with Israel, the United States and Arab and other key partners, will strongly support early action, led by the quartet, to advance the implementation of the roadmap.
470 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations made to Israel on the killing of six Palestinian civilians including five children (details supplied) in Beit Lahiya by an Israeli tank shell fired into a strawberry field. [1546/05]
View answerI am aware of the tragic incident to which the Deputy refers. No specific representations were made to the Israeli authorities about this particular incident, which forms part of a pattern of killings of both Palestinians and Israelis. The Israeli authorities are aware of the Government's views on the use of military force in the occupied Palestinian territories. The Government, in common with its EU partners, has repeatedly called for all parties to bring an end to the cycle of violence. The Government has consistently condemned all attacks aimed at civilians, including the continuing rocket attacks carried out by Hamas against Israelis. Equally, I have condemned the disproportionate and sometimes indiscriminate nature of the Israeli military actions in the Gaza Strip which have claimed the lives of many innocent civilians, including children, and left many injured.
The EU is concerned about the use of civilian areas as staging grounds for attacks against Israelis. These attacks, both through their direct effect and through the fact that they attract Israeli retaliatory action, endanger both Israeli and Palestinian children. The EU has consistently called for an end to all such attacks
471 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has a meeting scheduled with the new Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas. [1547/05]
View answerNo meeting has been scheduled as yet between President Abbas and any member of the Government. The Taoiseach telephoned President Abbas to congratulate him on his election victory shortly after the result was formally announced and the Government will maintain contact with President Abbas in the weeks to come. It is my intention to visit the region in the near future and I hope to meet President Abbas at that time.
