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Middle East Peace Process

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 June 2018

Tuesday, 12 June 2018

Questions (169)

Niall Collins

Question:

169. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he has formally made known his views to the US Administration on the decision to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24675/18]

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Written answers

The Government’s view of the move of the United States Embassy to Jerusalem was expressed in my statement of 6 December when the decision was announced. I stated that the decision 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. Indeed prior to this announcement, I had conveyed to the US Government my concern about reports of their intentions. Very many other governments around the world, including those like us which are long-standing friends of the United States, did the same. The announcement, when it was made, was thus very disappointing and difficult to understand.

These views have also been expressed in statements at EU level, and in direct contacts with US officials, by myself and officers of my Department. The US Government can be in no doubt about our view on this question.

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 Middle East peace process are currently centred on the initiative being developed by the United States. The US move on Jerusalem has unfortunately made this initiative more difficult, but I believe that it is essential that these efforts persist. 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 spoken with the US Middle East team a number of times in this regard. I also spoke with Israeli and Palestinian leaders last week on this issue.

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