Update: Peace in Middle East – Foreign Affairs 7th October, 2014

Question No. 433
To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the extent to which the EU and UN are united in support of a peace process in the Middle East; if positive efforts continue in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Bernard J. Durkan.
* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 7th October, 2014.
Ref No: 38224/14 Proof: 492

Question No.440

To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the basis for continued peace talks has emerged in the Middle East; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
– Bernard J. Durkan.
* For WRITTEN answer on Tuesday, 7th October, 2014.
Ref No: 38232/14 Proof: 500REPLY
I propose to answer Questions 492 and 500 together.
Following the end of the recent round of direct negotiations in April, the EU, UN and others, including the US administration, have made clear their continued support for a renewal of dialogue and negotiation, which is the only way to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement. However, there is no move under way at the moment to try to achieve such a resumption, nor is such a move expected without a strong indication that the parties, and in particular the Government of Israel, are ready to negotiate seriously.
The basis for talks remains the same: to reach an agreement incorporating a two state solution based on the 1967 borders, with appropriate agreed adjustments if necessary. While some analysts now question if such a solution is still possible, no workable alternative has been put forward which would reasonably satisfy the needs and aspirations of both peoples.