Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:19 Ms O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's view on the current state of the Middle East peace process. [8471/00]
Written Answers. - Middle East Peace Process.
Michael Ring
Ceist:27 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on the status of the Middle East peace process. [8320/00]
I will respond to Question Nos. 19 and 27 together.
The Middle East peace process was relaunched with the signing of the Sharm-el-Sheikh memorandum last September between President Arafat and PM Barak. This memorandum provided for implementation of existing agreements under the Wye River accord and the resumption of final status negotiations.
Since then a number of measures have been implemented, such as transfer of territory from Israeli to Palestinian control, release of Palestinian prisoners, and the opening of a safe passage between Gaza and the West Bank. Serious difficulties, however, have arisen in each of these areas.
Furthermore, the final status negotiations will have to address very complex problems, such as the status of Jerusalem, water, settlements, borders, and return of refugees.
The difficulties encountered led to a standstill in the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. In particular, there are disputes over what territory is to be transferred and over continued Israeli settlement building. In consequence, the target date of 13 February for concluding an interim framework agreement was not met. This was a further serious setback. The combination of these factors undoubtedly led to a loss of confidence in the negotiating atmosphere, particularly on the Palestinian side.
This stalemate has now been broken and the Israelis and Palestinians resumed negotiations in Washington this week. This is a very hopeful sign, although it has to be said that the extent and complexity of the issues remaining to be addressed means that the deadline of 13 September for conclusion of the negotiations remains a highly ambitious one.
We wish both parties every success in their efforts. At the same time, we would call on them to refrain from any acts which would complicate the negotiations further; to take all necessary measures to rebuild mutual confidence; to show a readiness to make concessions; and to focus their attention on the ultimate goal of lasting peace and stability in the region.
Negotiations also resumed in January on Israeli withdrawal from the Golan Heights in Syria and the establishment of peace between the two countries. These negotiations have since stalled. The recent escalation of violence in Lebanon has been particularly unhelpful. Nevertheless, there is a good prospect that the talks will resume in a near future. It is generally thought that the problems facing these negotiations will prove less difficult and that there should be a successful outcome within a reasonable timeframe. This would greatly improve the prospects for an agreed Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Again, we wish the parties every success in their negotiations.