The current crisis in the Middle East was discussed in Dublin yesterday by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Cowen, and the Palestinian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Dr Nabeel Shaath.
Government sources said it was "a very good meeting" with Dr Shaath providing a full outline of his views on the current situation. Both ministers welcomed the Mitchell report and the Egypt-Jordan peace initiative.
Dr Shaath expressed his appreciation of Ireland's efforts on the UN Security Council to restore the peace process, which included co-sponsorship of a draft resolution at the end of March which was not put to a vote at the time but remains available if the council wishes to return to it.
The Palestinian leadership is anxious for Ireland to use its best efforts to persuade the US to become more involved. Mr Cowen indicated that he intended to pay a visit to the region in the coming months.