Minister Flanagan to meet key players in Middle East Peace Process

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, TD, will today meet with senior Israeli and Palestinian figures to discuss the Middle East Peace Process and Ireland’s relations with the region.

Later this morning, Minister Flanagan will meet with the Foreign Minister of Israel, Avigdor Lieberman, in Tel Aviv.

This will be followed by meetings with the Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, and the Palestinian Prime Minister, Rami Hamdallah, in Ramallah.

Speaking ahead of the meetings, Minister Flanagan said:

“A just and equitable peace in the Middle East has long been a key element of Ireland’s foreign policy for many years.

“Today’s meetings offer an opportunity to hear Israeli and Palestinian perspectives on the prospects for progress towards that peace.

“Regrettably, the Middle East Peace Process is stalled at the present time but early progress is in everyone’s interest.

“Of course, Israel is currently in the middle of a General Election. I want to respect that and to thank Minister Lieberman for taking the time to meet in that context.

“Ireland has long taken an active interest in the Middle East Peace Process. I want our voice to continue to be heard, in particular within the EU. The Middle East Peace Process will be a key focus for the EU Foreign Affairs Council in the months ahead and I look forward to further discussions with my EU colleague, to see how we can best use our influence to deliver some progress.

“The meetings will also offer a chance to hear from both sides on the other enormous challenges the region currently faces, including the conflict in Syria and the rise of Islamic extremists.”