Sinn Fein makes Middle East talks plea

The Government should use its international influence to bring about a return to peace talks between the Palestinians and the Israelis, Sinn Fein argued today.

Sinn Fein national chairman Mitchel McLaughlin urged Bertie Ahern’s government to use its position in the United Nations and European Union to press for dialogue after the shooting dead in Jenin of a British UN aid worker and three Palestinians and the recent wounding of a human rights worker by Israeli soldiers.

Describing the killings and the wounding of Irish human rights activist Caoimhe Butterly as an outrage, the Foyle MLA said the time had long since past for the United Nations to intervene.

“Last week’s wounding of Caoimhe Butterly brought home to Irish people the daily experience of ordinary Palestinians over the last number of years,” Mr McLaughlin said.

“The UN has a responsibility to take the Israeli Government to task and to end the silence of the international community in relation to this and many other attacks.

“The daily violence in the Middle East is a source of great distress. The suicide attacks, the killing of civilians, the invasion by Israel of Palestinian territory and the deliberate targeting for assassination of Palestinian leaders should end.

“It is imperative that Israel engages in genuine negotiation and dialogue with the Palestinian people and there is a clear role for the international community to help in such a process.”