Sinn Féin’s Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Trade and Diaspora, Seán Crowe TD, has welcomed the re-opening of peace talks between the Israeli and Palestinian authorities.

Crowe said that a solution to the conflict will only be found through open, frank, and inclusive talks.

Deputy Crowe said:

“I welcome that the Israeli and Palestinian authorities agreed to formally re-open peace talks and negotiations, with a meeting in the next two weeks.

“This will be the first direct peace talks between the two sides in three years and they are planned to last for nine months.

“The only way a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict can be found is through open and frank talks, with all issues on the table and up for discussion.

“However the talks should be all-embracing. I believe the process of negotiations should be inclusive, and include and respect all groups with a democratic mandate.

“Due to the Israel’s continued settlement building and blockade of Gaza, which violate international law, any possibility of a two-state solution to the conflict is becoming increasingly unachievable.

“Consequently, these talks are urgently needed and welcome, but they need to be meaningful and lead to action and not end in deadlock or meaningless rhetoric.

“A commitment to compliance with international law would send a strong signal of intent and allow for a robust peace process to be negotiated. To assist this we call on the Israeli government to halt the building of illegal settlements in the Occupied Territories and to lift the illegal blockade of Gaza.”

ENDS