Minister for Foreign Affairs calls for resumption of stalled Middle-East Peace Process
The last two days have seen a Palestinian suicide attack in Haifa and an Israeli army attack at Jabaliya refugee camp in Gaza. Both attacks have resulted in horrific casualties among civilians, leaving up to thirty dead and dozens seriously injured.
This follows on several weeks of mounting violence on both sides which have also inflicted heavy casualties.
It is clear yet again that terrorist attacks and military reprisals can do nothing to advance the aim of Palestinians to achieve a State of their own or of Israel's to live in peace and security. Political negotiation offers the only path out of recurrent violence and suffering.
I call for a resumption of the stalled peace process and in particular the adoption of the Roadmap proposed by the Quartet. The Quartet roadmap enjoys the support of the international community and represents the best hope of peace in the Middle East. Its aim of a viable democratic Palestinian State living in peace beside Israel is one to which the European Union, Russia, the United States and the UN Secretary General are fully committed. The need for all parties to the Middle East conflict to engage along the lines of the roadmap has been stressed on many occasions by the European Union. Clearly it offers the best hope of peace and security for the region. I would hope that when the roadmap is formally adopted and published by the Quartet, both parties will realise the potential it offers and embrace its possibilities.Top
