Dáil Éireann - Volume 567 - 29 May, 2003

Written Answers. - Middle East Peace Process.

Mr. Stagg Mr. Stagg

  103. Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the position regarding the Nassar land confiscation case in Bethlehem as raised previously with him; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14773/03]

Mr. Cowen Mr. Cowen

  Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen): As I have previously stated in the House, the Government has consistently taken the view that the transfer of its own population into occupied territory by an occupying power is a flagrant breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention. The settlements established in the occupied Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip by the Israeli authorities are illegal and must be dismantled. Land seizures by the occupation forces for the purposes of settlement are null and void. The Nassar case appears to be a particularly disturbing example of this policy in action. The case, originally scheduled to come before the Supreme Court of Israel on 27 April, has been postponed until 1 June. Our diplomatic officers in the region will continue to monitor developments.

Dáil Éireann 567 Written Answers. Middle East Peace Process.

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