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Israeli Settlements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 April 2021

Wednesday, 21 April 2021

Questions (867, 868, 889)

Alan Kelly

Question:

867. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the diplomatic steps he is taking through the EU or through Ireland’s seat on the UN Security Council to ensure that the 300,000 Palestinian citizens in occupied east Jerusalem are allowed to express their democratic right to vote in the forthcoming Palestinian elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19960/21]

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Alan Kelly

Question:

868. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has or will call in the Israeli Ambassador to Ireland to ensure that they are clear that Ireland wishes to see the 300,000 Palestinian citizens in occupied east Jerusalem being allowed to vindicate their democratic right to vote in the forthcoming Palestinian elections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19961/21]

View answer

Patrick Costello

Question:

889. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he will take to help ensure a meaningful election observation to ensure free and fair elections take place in the upcoming Palestinian legislative council election in view of the statement by EU Representative Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff (details supplied). [20544/21]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 867, 868 and 889 together.

I welcomed the decree issued on 15 January by President Mahmoud Abbas on the holding of Palestinian elections this year.

The holding of elections in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and in Gaza is a crucial step towards Palestinian unity and reconciliation, giving a voice to Palestinians throughout the occupied Palestinian territory, and renewing the legitimacy of national institutions, including a democratically elected Parliament and Government.

We continue to use our position in the EU and our current seat on the UN Security Council to highlight the importance of Israel's cooperation in order to hold Palestinian elections in East Jerusalem. Ireland's Ambassador to the UN did so most recently at the UN Security Council on 25 March.

Election monitoring is an important part of democratic process and Ireland strongly supports EU efforts to engage in EU monitoring of the Palestinian elections. I urge Israel to facilitate these important elections, including in East Jerusalem.

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