Minister Cowen expresses deep concern about reported plans to expel President Arafat
12/09/2003
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Brian Cowen T.D., today voiced his deep concern at the decision in principle of the Israeli Security Cabinet to expel President Yasser Arafat from the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
“President Arafat is the democratically elected leader of the Palestinian people and should play an important role in the negotiation of a comprehensive peace settlement. Any move to expel him would pose the most serious threat to the peace process.” said the Minister.
The Minister believes that the forcible removal of President Arafat would certainly lead to a major upsurge in violence and said “The European Union and the United States have both warned Israel about the potential consequences of such a step”.
The Minister reiterated his call to both parties to take the necessary immediate measures to revive the Roadmap and to renew the ceasefire.
