Minister for Foreign Affairs meets new Delegate-General of Palestine

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern T.D., today met with H.E. Dr. Hikmat Izzat Ajjuri, who presented his letter of appointment as the new Delegate-General to Ireland of the Palestinian Authority.

The Minister warmly welcomed Dr. Ajjuri's appointment as the third Palestinian Delegate-General to Ireland and expressed the hope that his term in Ireland would see a further strengthening of the close links between the Government and the Palestinian Authority and between the people of Ireland and the Palestinian people.

The Minister and Dr. Ajjuri discussed the Middle East Peace Process and the upcoming Palestinian legislative elections.  The Minister emphasised that, given the current uncertainties in the region, it was essential for all parties to maintain their commitment to working for a lasting settlement based on the peaceful co-existence of two viable states.  The Government, and its partners in the EU, remained firmly committed to the process for a settlement set out in the Quartet Roadmap, and strongly support Palestinian and Israeli leaders who are ready to demonstrate the courage required to ensure a return to full implementation of commitments under the Roadmap. 

The Minister and Dr. Ajjuri reviewed cooperation between Ireland and the Palestinian Authority.  The Minister looked forward to a further increase in the coming years in Ireland's assistance to the Palestinian people, which amounted to over €4 million in 2005.

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9th January 2006