Taoiseach calls for an immediate ceasefire
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Monday January 05 2009
TAOISEACH Brian Cowen yesterday called for the Israeli Government to declare an immediate ceasefire and withdraw from the Gaza Strip.
He made the call as a Palestinian support group claimed it was time for the Irish Government to expel the Israeli ambassador from Ireland.
Mr Cowen's condemnation of the Israeli attacks on Gaza is one of the strongest made by any international leader.
"I think it's wrong we have this continuing return of conflict in an area which is so much in need of political change, so much in need of political dialogue," he said.
He also said the fact that the UN security council could not come to an agreement on calling for a ceasefire was "hugely disappointing". The Taoiseach said Ireland is an example which shows that progress can only be made through dialogue.
"Israel is entitled to live in security as well, but we also must see real political progress on the Palestinians' cause for an independent and free homeland," he added.
Fine Gael has voiced disappointment at the failure by the international community to find a solution to the crisis.
Meanwhile, the Israeli Embassy in Ireland yesterday criticised the Irish Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) after the group called on the Government to expel the Israeli ambassador from Ireland.
"The IPSC has always been notorious for its extremely partisan, misinformed, anti-Israel bias," an Embassy spokesman told the Irish Independent.
- Michael Brennan
