Cowen backs Egypt Middle East plan
Ireland is supporting peace efforts by Egypt in the Middle East. The Minister for Foreign Affairs Brian Cowen says some way has to be found to halt the murderous cycle of violence that has claimed over 60 lives in the past four days.
Minister Cowen is being kept fully briefed on the situation in the region through our embassy in Tel Aviv, our mission in Ramall and our permanent representation at the United Nations.
He is now urging Prime Minister Sharon and President Arafat to accept an invitation to talks issued by Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak.
Minister Cowen says the solution must be a political accord. The Minister is welcoming the growing support for a peace plan which offers Israel the prospect of normalisation of relations with its neighbours in exchange for a pull-out from the occupied territories.
