Recognition of states is a matter for the national governments of the Member States.
Debate continues in the EU, the UN and elsewhere of how best to try to restart and advance the political process to achieve a two state solution, but both the international situation and the domestic position of the parties make this very difficult at present. Since my appointment as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I have strongly advocated for a stronger EU involvement in the Peace Process. I visited the region myself and urged HRVP Mogherini to do so upon her appointment. She has visited the region on a number of occasions, most recently with the newly appointed EU Special Representative, Fernando Gentilini.
There was some discussion of the Middle East Peace Process at the last Foreign Affairs Council and I expect HRVP Mogherini to brief Ministers on her recent visit with SR Gentilini at this month’s FAC.
I endeavour to use all appropriate opportunities in my international engagements as Minister to press for progress in restarting peace talks in the region. Most recently I have had useful discussions with the Swiss Foreign Minister, Didier Burkhalter, and with UN SG Ban Ki-moon during his visit to Ireland.
