Martin stresses urgent need for Palestinian state

MINISTER for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, said there is an urgent need for a settlement in the Middle East and the establishment of an independent, democratic, Palestinian state, which is one of Ireland’s strong foreign policy objectives.

He was speaking after a meeting in Cairo with General Secretary of the Arab League, Amr Moussa.

“We both agreed that a comprehensive settlement was urgent in the Middle East, in terms of the development of a two-state solution and the establishment of an independent, democratic Palestinian state, which has been part of Irish policy,” said Mr Martin.

The meeting took place amid reports that Iran had test fired its longest range missile, sparking speculation of a possible war involving Iran and Israel.

Moussa said that the Middle East “did not need another war”. He said Israel’s possession of nuclear weapons was an issue that also had to be dealt with.

“That tension is caused by the fact that the whole situation in the region is tense, we have so many problems and they effect each other negatively,” he said.

“On the nuclear issue, I don’t think the use of force will solve any problem.”

Martin also met the Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Aboul Gheit for a discussion about the Israeli-Palestinian situation, Darfur and the Lebanon.

He praised the Egyptian Government for its role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza strip.

Gheit said Egypt appreciates the presence of Ireland in Lebanon and “what they are trying to do in relation to borders in Israel”.