Foreign Conflicts.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2004

Wednesday, 11 February 2004

Ceisteanna (112)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

174 Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he has raised with his Israeli counterpart the continuing slaughter of Palestinian citizens, 142 of whom were killed by the Israeli occupation force during the period 1 October to 31 December 2003, and the ongoing destruction of Palestinian homes and land; when he last did so and the response he received; and his understanding of current Israeli intentions regarding their illegal occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. [4160/04]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

I visited Israel on 15 and 16 January and met the President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. I expressed my concern at the grave situation in the peace process and the continuing violence. The Israeli authorities are in no doubt as to Ireland's position on the conflict. Prime Minister Sharon has recently made some suggestions about a possible Israeli withdrawal from most settlements in the Gaza Strip and has made other suggestions about the future of the Israeli presence in the West Bank. My Department is monitoring the Israeli position closely and is working with both parties to the conflict to promote the implementation of the road map.