Minister praises Israeli withdrawal
The Israeli Government’s commitment to pulling out of the Gaza strip was today commended by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern.
As soldiers moved in to enforce the mass eviction of Jewish settlers from the Palestinian State, Mr Ahern said he hoped the initiative would be completed smoothly and peacefully.
“I welcome the commencement of disengagement from Israel’s settlements in Gaza. I am pleased that the process has started, and I hope that it will be completed on schedule and in an orderly and peaceful way,” he said.
“The clear commitment of Prime Minister Sharon and his government to carrying it through, despite the political difficulties they face, is commendable.”
Parts of Gaza have been occupied by Israeli forces since the 1967 invasion. Many of the area’s 8,500 Jewish settlers have left – but thousands ignored the eviction notices delivered by security forces on Monday.
As soldiers moved in to the first of 21 settlements ahead of the deadline many protestors clashed with troops.
Mr Ahern, a United Nations special envoy, stressed the Palestinian Authority would face equally serious challenges in ensuring that disengagement passes peacefully.
He welcomed efforts of President Mahmoud Abbas and his colleagues to make the process work.
But he warned disengagement would only be a success if Gaza could become economically viable. He insisted both sides had a critical role to play in assuring the success of economic development plans.
Mr Ahern travelled to the Middle East last month and held a series of meetings with Palestinian and Israeli leaders.
“I assured them of Ireland’s willingness to play its part in the international efforts to ensure that disengagement succeeds and provides a basis upon which the Palestinian Authority can achieve security, stability, and prosperity in Gaza,” he said.
“With the support and assistance of the international community, both sides must press forward and renew momentum toward a permanent peace based on a viable two state solution.”
