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Middle East Peace Process.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 21 October 2004

Thursday, 21 October 2004

Ceisteanna (149)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

149 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to a report by the international crisis group, which recommends that the Government of Israel support the conduct of Palestinian local, legislative and presidential elections, including by withdrawing from cities consistent with security concerns and permitting full participation by Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem; if his attention has been further drawn to a news report by the Palestinian Central Elections Commission, which stated that 17 voter registration centres have been forced to close in Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, Jabalia, and An Nazleh due to the Israeli occupation forces’ military operations in Palestinian areas of the northern Gaza Strip, as well as six voter registration centres in East Jerusalem which were to have facilitated voter registration from 7 to 14 October 2004; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that the voter registration process was severely disrupted by Israeli closures and incursions; if he has raised or will raise those matters with the Israeli authorities. [25980/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am aware of the reports to which the Deputy refers. The Government, together with Ireland's EU partners, shares the concerns which have been widely expressed regarding the Palestinian election process.

The General Affairs and External Relations Council in Luxembourg on 11 October expressed those concerns and urged Israel, in accordance with its responsibilities under the Fourth Geneva Convention, to facilitate voter registration, the preparations for and conduct of the elections and the movement of candidates and voting officials, including in occupied East Jerusalem.

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