Minister Dermot Ahern announces €100,000 grant for Glencree Middle East Project

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Dermot Ahern, T.D., has announced a grant of €100,000 to the Glencree Centre for Reconciliation, to support its Middle East Project during 2006.  This is the second of three annual payments by the Government towards the Centre's work in support of the Middle East Peace Process.  The Glencree Centre for Reconciliation is working with Israeli and Palestinian political representatives to promote dialogue, drawing on the experience of the Northern Ireland peace process.

Minister Ahern stated today:

“Over the coming months, as the Israeli and Palestinian people cast their votes to elect new governments, it is important that we all keep sight of the objective of a lasting and peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.  The Government and our partners in the EU firmly believe that the Quartet Roadmap provides the best framework for the achievement of a settlement, based on the establishment of two viable states, living together in peace.  We will work closely with the parties to encourage an early return to full implementation of commitments under the Roadmap.

There is strong support and sympathy in Ireland for Israelis and Palestinians who are committed to the search for a just settlement.  The Glencree Centre for Reconciliation this year launched an important project to promote dialogue between Israeli and Palestinian political figures, drawing on the experience of the Northern Ireland peace process.  The Government is very pleased to support the project, practically and financially.  Today's funding is the second of three annual payments of €100,000 towards the project, which will include a study and dialogue visit to Ireland by Israeli and Palestinian politicians in the coming year”.

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30^th December 2005