Ireland calls for Middle East peace

Ireland is adding its voice to international calls for Israelis and Palestinians to adopt George Mitchell's blueprint for peace in the Middle East.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen has been meeting Palestinian negotiator Nabil Sha'ath this afternoon, with Minister Cowen saying afterwards that both sides must commit to the principles and stop the bloodshed.

Dr Sha'ath added it would be difficult to deal with Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, but he says the Palestinians will play their part if Israel accepts the Mitchell principles.