THE President of the Palestinian Authority, Mr Yasser Arafat has been assured by the Government of the EU's continuing active involvement in the Middle East peace process.
Arriving in Dublin yesterday as part of his expedition to secure European support for the Palestinian point of view, Mr Arafat received political sustenance from the Taoiseach, Mr Bruton who, as EU President, said the Union's "economic weight" would be used to "bring the parties together".
The Arab leader's mission in Europe was further boosted by the Taoiseach's explicit condemnation last night of the living conditions many Palestinian people endure, which Mr Bruton described as "quite appalling" and the "direct result of a closures policy which is in existence because the peace process has not been completed
The Israeli "closures policy" involves, sealing off Palestinian-occupied territories in Hebron and the West Bank so that workers cannot leave for their jobs. The effect of this policy had been seen at first hand by Mr Spring, the Taoiseach added.
"It is very important that the economic weight that the EU carries in the Middle East is used to push forward the peace process," Mr Bruton said. "That economic weight does give us political influence. It is not a case of using political influence simply to demonstrate that we have it . . . We want to see the peace process completed, and we want Europe to use its influence to that end."
Describing Mr Arafat's visit to Ireland as "particularly useful", the Taoiseach said he intends to meet the Israeli leader, Mr Benjamin Netanyahu, soon and will then tour EU member-states, where the Middle East "will be a major topic of concern".
It is understood that Mr Arafat was told by both the Taoiseach and Tanaiste that the EU is totally committed to the implementation of the Oslo and Madrid Accords, the foundation stones of the Middle East peace process which Mr Netanyahu wants to renegotiate.
Mr Arafat flew into Dublin late yesterday afternoon from Oslo and was warmly welcomed by Mr Spring as President of the EU Foreign Ministers. Later he had an hour-long briefing with Mr Bruton and Mr Spring.
Mr Spring confirmed that he will head an EU Troika visit to the Middle East "in the next 10 days". The tour, which is scheduled to include Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Syria and Gaza, begins on November 10th and is due to end in Cairo, where Mr Spring will attend the Middle East summit on November 12th and 13th.
Mr Arafat is due to pay a courtesy visit to the President, Mrs Robinson, this morning before leaving for Dublin Airport.