Minister Cowen condemns bombings in Israel
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen T.D., condemned the recent wave of suicide bombings in Israel. The latest bombing yesterday afternoon brought the total of deaths to fourteen. The Minister offered condolences to the families of those killed and expressed his hope for the speedy recovery of the wounded.
The Minister said,
“These brutal and unjustified attacks are an attempt to destroy any prospect for movement on the peace process and the implementation of the Roadmap. They pose a major challenge to the authority of the recently appointed Palestinian Government. It is essential that those who are determined on a lasting and peaceful settlement of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict work together to face down this threat. I therefore urge the Israeli Government to continue to show restraint and the Palestinian Government to take all measures in their power to prevent such attacks. Both Governments must resist these attempts to perpetuate the conflict.”
He continued,
“Terrorism does not advance any cause and attacks on innocent civilians cannot be part of any legitimate struggle. Terrorists must not be allowed to exercise a veto over movement towards peace. It is vitally important that the parties proceed with the implementation of the Roadmap elaborated by the international community and that each side assumes their obligations under that plan.”
