Middle East: Israeli government leaders are refusing to meet the Minister for Foreign Affairs when he visits the Middle East this week, because of a meeting arranged between Mr Cowen and the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mr Yasser Arafat, writes Deaglán de Bréadún, Foreign Affairs Correspondent
The Minister had requested meetings with the Israeli Prime Minister, Mr Sharon and the Foreign Minister, Mr Silvan Shalom but these were turned down, in line with Israeli policy of refusing to meet leaders who have also met Mr Arafat.
An Israeli spokesman told The Irish Times there would be no problem if Mr Cowen were meeting the Palestinian Authority Prime Minister, Mr Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) only, and not Mr Arafat.
However he is expected to meet both Mr Abbas and Mr Arafat. The Department of Foreign Affairs said the Minister would be making a "courtesy call" on Mr Arafat on Thursday. The Minister regretted the Israeli decision and still remained available for a meeting.
During his visit, Mr Cowen will also meet Egyptian, Jordanian, Syrian and Lebanese leaders.
