EU will bolster Middle East truce, says Ahern
European Union leaders will bolster today’s truce between the Israelis and Palestinians with infrastructural support, Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said today.
During Questions in the Dáil, Mr Ahern told Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny the ceasefire agreement in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh meant the Middle East was now moving into a new era.
He said he expected the EU to resume its even-handed approach to the peace process, providing resources to the Palestinians and assisting the Israelis in the way they handled the process.
“Even though a lot of the resources that the European Union has put into Palestine has been wrecked and destroyed by the various military activities over the last number of years, the EU is committed to doing those infrastructural issues and social issues,” he said.
“I think that commitment will resume now based on a peaceful prospect and I think everybody else will be supportive of those efforts.”
Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas said at the end of today’s summit a ceasefire would be implemented immediately which he hoped would lead to a new era of peace and hope.
Israeli President Ariel Sharon also vowed to end all military action against Palestinian targets.
Mr Kenny told TDs the agreement was a very major step forward for the Middle East.
| Related Stories: |
|
