Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 January 2018
14. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if the most recent developments in Palestine regarding the possible withdrawal of recognising the state of Israel that was made at an international conference in Madrid in 1991 will be discussed with his other EU colleagues at the next EU Council meeting. [3057/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) recognized Israel in 1993, as part of the Oslo Accords, which also set out a path towards a two-state solution. There has understandably been a strong reaction among Palestinians to the US decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. I have made clear that I believe the US announcement was premature and unhelpful. The EU has reaffirmed our belief in a two state solution, with Jerusalem as a capital for both Israel and Palestine. At the January meeting of the PLO Central Council there was evidently deep frustration not just at the US announcement, but also at the lack of progress over two decades in building on the Oslo Accords. Some statements made at the Central Council included inflammatory rhetoric. The Central Council also decided to assign the Executive Committee of the PLO to suspend recognition of Israel, pending reciprocal recognition of a State of Palestine.
However, this decision has not yet been implemented. It will be for President Abbas to decide whether to act on this recommendation, and so far, he has not done so. I believe that the international community should focus on actions, not rhetoric. I note that President Abbas reaffirmed his opposition to terrorism in all forms, in the course of the Council.
My EU colleagues and I met again with President Abbas at the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday. Our conviction that it would be a major step back to withdraw recognition of Israel was clear. We also reiterated our support for the two state solution, as an outcome of an agreement between the parties.
I very strongly urge President Abbas to maintain Palestinian recognition of Israel, something which the PLO has accepted since 1993.
