Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 May 2018
46. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the decision by the United States and other countries to relocate their embassies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem; the effect this will have on achieving a two-state solution; the efforts being made by the Government and the EU to restart peace talks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21844/18]
View answerIn my statement of 6 December I set out the Government’s view of the US decision to move its Embassy to Jerusalem. This was that the announcement was premature and ill-advised, and would be unhelpful to efforts to reach a resolution of the Middle East Peace Process, something which is very urgently needed. I conveyed to the US Government ahead of its announcement my concern about reports of US intentions, and I know that very many leaders around the world did the same. The announcement, when it was made, was thus very disappointing and difficult to understand.
My view that this move is mistaken and divisive remains unchanged, following the formal transfer of the US Embassy to Jerusalem this week. This involved essentially the move of the Ambassador’s official location to the existing US Consulate building in Jerusalem. The actual transfer of the bulk of Embassy functions will await the construction of a new Embassy premises, which may be a lengthy process.
Thus far only three Central and South American countries have announced that they will follow the US move.
Ireland looks forward in due course to establishing Embassies in Jerusalem to both Israel and the future Palestinian state, following the conclusion of a peace agreement and in accordance with international law. Until then, our Embassy to Israel will remain in Tel Aviv.
Efforts to restart the peace process are currently centred on the initiative being developed by the United States. I have spoken at the Foreign Affairs Council to urge EU partners to engage with the US to encourage this initiative and to seek to shape it and ensure that it is in line with the key parameters for a settlement. I have myself met with the US team a number of times in this regard.
The US move on Jerusalem has unfortunately made this initiative more difficult, by damaging the trust of Palestinians in their approach. I hope that this can be overcome.
