Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 July 2016
425. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the reason neither the Israelis nor the Palestinians were invited to a meeting hosted by the French Government on 30 June 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21124/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt was for the French hosts to decide who to invite to the conference in Paris on 3 June. Ireland was one of only ten EU member States invited, and I participated on behalf of the Government.
The French initiative on the Middle East is aimed toward a broad conference towards the end of the year, to which I understand France intends to invite both Israeli and Palestinian participation. The meeting on 3 June was a preparatory meeting, whose main purpose was to re-enlist the engagement of the wider international community in the peace process.
Given their expressed opposition to the conference, it seems unlikely that the Israeli Government would have agreed to attend on 3 June. In my meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu on 14 June I encouraged a more positive response to the process, and I hope both parties will attend the second conference.
