Leadership races won't deter peace, Abbas tells Martin

MIDDLE EAST:UNCERTAINTY CAUSED by leadership changes in Israel and the United States will not deter efforts to further the Arab-Israeli peace process, Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas said in Dublin yesterday.

Speaking after a meeting with Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin, Mr Abbas acknowledged that this was a difficult time, with a new prime minister due to take office in Tel Aviv and a new president to be elected in the US in November.

"We know that it's a very difficult time because we have a transition in the US and Israel. This is why we are continuing to make sure that what we have achieved with the peace process will be irreversible and will be continued by all concerned," he said.

The president spoke of his gratitude for Ireland's continuing economic and political support at a time of "dire circumstances" for his people. Nonetheless, he said the peace process remained his strategic priority and he believed a just settlement could be reached.

Mr Abbas and Mr Martin discussed the situation in Gaza and diplomatic efforts to build on progress made at the Annapolis peace conference last year.

Mr Martin said the Government and the Irish people strongly supported the "achievement of the rights of the Palestinian people through the establishment of a Palestinian state" and reaffirmed the State's commitment to aiding the social and economic development of Palestine. Some €8.5 million is expected to be provided this year.

He welcomed reports of improved security in the West Bank, as well as signs that co-operation between the Israeli Defence Forces and Palestinian security forces was improving.

"However, we recognise that the situation with regard to Israeli settlements remains particularly grave. While we have already conveyed our concerns to the Israeli government, more needs to be done," Mr Martin said. "We are currently examining what more the EU can do to put pressure on Israel to freeze settlements, as well as to relax restrictions on movement and access."