The Government stands ready, in concert with our EU partners, to assist the parties to the conflict in their efforts to move forward on the basis of the road map. Ireland, through its membership of the European Union and its relations with Palestine, Israel, the United States, Arab and other key partners, will strongly support early action, led by the quartet, to advance the implementation of the road map.
The General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on Monday reaffirmed the EU's commitment to support the efforts of both parties to re-launch political contacts at all levels. Developments in recent days on this track have been encouraging and we look forward to a constructive outcome from the meeting which is scheduled to take place between President Abbas and Prime Minister Sharon on 8 February. I intend to visit the Middle East region in the coming weeks when I hope to meet with President Abbas.