172 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations he has made to the Israeli Government regarding the excessive use of force by the Israeli Defence Forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26807/00]
Written Answers. - Middle East Peace Process.
The Government is gravely concerned at the crisis in the Middle East which has already taken an appalling toll of life and put in jeopardy the Middle East peace process in which so many hopes have been placed. I have extended our deepest sympathy to the families of all those who have been killed and to those who were injured. I also made statements on 2 and 12 October and a full statement to the Dáil on 19 October concerning the current crisis.
The Government has made clear its position to both sides, both at ministerial and official level. We deplore all acts of violence and have called on both sides to exercise the utmost restraint and to do all in their power to avoid further escalation. In particular, we have called on Israel to end the use of military force in dealing with Palestinian protests where civilian policing methods would be more appropriate. I have assured both sides of our support for the Sharm-el-Sheikh agreement and all efforts to restore calm and to find a peaceful solution. I have underlined the need for both sides to act quickly to reach agreement in the peace process and to avert the danger that this conflict might extend further. The first priority, as agreed at Sharm-el-Sheikh, must be to end the violence. The objective must remain the achievement of a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East, which must necessarily recognise both the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and Israel's right to live in peace and security.