Irish Foreign Minister meets Palestinian Foreign Minister – EU press release/Non-UN document

Middle East Peace Process:

Minister Cowen meets Palestinian Minister for Foreign Affairs

Minister Cowen meets Palestinian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Nabil Shaath, to discuss developments in the Middle East Peace Process 

The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland, Brian Cowen TD, today held talks with the Palestinian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dr Nabil Shaath. Dr Shaath was in Dublin, as part of his European Regional tour, to discuss developments in the Middle East Peace Process.

The Minister and Dr Shaath discussed the current difficulties facing the Road Map, the attempts to restore the Palestinian militants' ceasefire, the EU concerns over the continued construction of the Israeli security wall, the expansion of the Israeli settlements in the Occupied Territories and the Minister's visit to Israel and Egypt next week.

Following the meeting the Minister stated:

'I am going to the region next week and it is very important that I meet with the Palestinian Foreign Minister as we engage again in the consultative process with all the parties, both as a responsibility as a member of the Quartet group, where my job as Presidency is to see the implementation of the Road Map as quickly as possible, and to ensure that the international community takes up its responsibility to assist the parties in trying to advance these issues as a matter of urgency.

Also, I indicated to Nabil that we will remain in constant touch in this semester, throughout our Presidency… We are looking to see what way we can encourage movement so that we can try and resolve the beginnings of the implementation of the Road Map…

Inaction is simply not an option…It is important that we work politically and diplomatically with the parties… I am going to Israel next week and will talk with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister.

We have seen an escalation … on all sides. It is imperative, as democratic politicians, that we confront these issues with the seriousness and united purpose that is required.'.

During the course of his visit Dr Shaath was welcomed to Dublin by the Taoiseach, Mr Bertie Ahern TD. At Leinster House he met with Dr Michael Woods TD, Chairman of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and with Senator Mary O'Rourke, Leader of Seanad Eireann. In the afternoon Dr Shaath had the opportunity to meet with the Parliamentary Friend of Palestine.