Martin meets Palestinian president

Uncertainty caused by leadership changes in Israel and the United States should not derail efforts to build on progress in the Arab-Israeli conflict, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said in Dublin today.

Speaking after a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, Mr Abbas acknowledged that this was a difficult time, with a new prime minister due to take office in Tel Aviv and a new president to be elected in the US in November.

"We know that it's a very difficult time because we have a transition in the US and Israel. This is why we are continuing to make sure that what we have achieved with the peace process will be irreversible and will be continued by all concerned," he said.

The president spoke of his gratitude for Ireland's continuing economic and political support at a time of "dire circumstances" for his people. Nonetheless, he said the peace process remained his strategic priority and he believed a just settlement could be reached.

At their meeting this morning, Mr Abbas and Mr Martin discussed the situation in Gaza and diplomatic efforts to build on progress made at the Annapolis peace conference in the US last year.

Mr Martin said the Government and the Irish people strongly supported the "achievement of the rights of the Palestinian people through the establishment of a Palestinian state" and reaffirmed the State's commitment to aiding the social and economic development of Palestine. Some €8.5 million is expected to be provided to the Palestinian territories this year.

He welcomed reports of improvements in the security situation in the West Bank, as well as signs that cooperation on the ground between the Israeli Defence Forces and Palestinian security forces was improving.


"However, we recognise that the situation with regard to Israeli settlements remains particularly grave. While we have already conveyed our concerns to the Israeli government, more needs to be done," Mr Martin said.


"We are currently examining what more the EU can do to put pressure on Israel to freeze settlements, as well as to relax restrictions on movement and access."

Meanwhile, the fall-out from last month's war in Georgia is set to dominate talks this afternoon between Mr Martin and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov, who is also stopping off in Dublin en route to the UN Generaly Assembly.

"Mr Martin is expected to express his concerns to Mr Lavrov about the humanitarian impact of the conflict in Georgia on ordinary citizens," said the minister's spokesman.

A member of Ireland's Rapid Response Corps was deployed to Georgia to work as a logistics officer with Unicef.

The five-day Russian offensive strained diplomatic relations between Russia and the US to a level not seen since the Cold War era.

As part of a peace plan, EU observers will go to Georgia early next month to monitor a ceasefire as Russian troops withdraw.

Mr Martin was also concerned about the alleged use of cluster munitions during the hostilities as the Irish Government has helped lead efforts to secure an international ban.

The economic relationship between Ireland and Russia will also be discussed at the talks, at Iveagh House.

Mr Martin may also use the bilateral meeting to re-issue an invite to prime minister Vladimir Putin to visit Ireland.

Additional reporting: PA