Fianna Fáil Condemns Renewed Violence in Middle East

“EU must take a more hands-on approach to Middle East crisis” says Brendan Smith TD, Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs & Trade

Fianna Fáil’s Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs, Brendan Smith TD has called for a renewed urgency in the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks in light of the outbreak of recent violence in the region.

Deputy Smith stated: “The endless cycle of violence and recrimination is appalling and a total failure of politics and diplomacy.

“The European Union must try to raise its game and play a more active role in peace talks. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton should request a meeting with the leaders of both governments and seek to lift the pace of progress. The Lisbon Treaty expanded the powers that the EU has in foreign affairs. The failure of the Quartet on the Middle East to develop a comprehensive and lasting roadmap for peace is lamentable. The EU must seek to re-energise this process also.

“We know in our own country how difficult and challenging it can be to win peace. Nonetheless, peace is achievable with committed effort and support. This latest pointless violence shows how necessary it is for the international community to apply real pressure in pursuit of peace”.

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