Vol. 568 No. 5
231 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's communications with the state of Israel regarding a botched attempt by the Israeli army to assassinate a person (details supplied) on 10 June 2003 as the person was returning from ceasefire negotiations. [16658/03]
The incident to which the Deputy refers was the subject of a statement by the European Union Presidency on 11 June last.
In strongly condemning the attacks the Greek Presidency stated:
This kind of retaliation and extra judicial killings perpetuate the cycle of violence and further deteriorate the security environment.
These attacks, that coincide with the first steps of the implementation of the Roadmap following the pledges taken by both sides in Aqaba, undermine the peace efforts and complicate further PM Abbas' attempts to halt violence and terrorism by Palestinian factions. In this crucial period, we call upon both parties to abstain from acts of violence and to remain committed to the path of negotiations, which is the only way to satisfy the people's need for peace and security.
These sentiments are fully endorsed by the Government of Ireland. The deaths and injuries caused in the Israeli attacks have undoubtedly made the task of peace makers much more difficult. As the Deputy will be aware, it is the firm position of the Government that political problems must be resolved without recourse to violence or terrorism.
