Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams confirmed today he will visit the Middle East next week despite Israeli government demands that he does not meet Hamas.
Mr Adams said he refused to give a commitment to avoid representatives from the Palestinian group and, as a result, he regretted that Israeli officials would not now meet him during his trip.
But the Sinn Féin leader said dialogue was vital to securing a peace settlement in the region and he appealed for efforts to secure an agreement that could satisfy both Palestinian and Israeli needs.
Mr Adams visited the region in 2006 and was in both Israel and Ramallah, but this time he will add Gaza to his list of destinations to witness at first hand the damage caused by controversial Israeli attacks launched in response to Palestinian rockets.
“I will meet with senior members of the Palestinian Authority. I again (as in 2006) asked for a meeting with the Israeli government or with government officials. But again this has been refused because I will not give a commitment not to speak with Hamas representatives.
“I very much regret the Israeli government decision.” Mr Adams added: “As the leader of a party which was censored and demonised and whose members were killed, I see dialogue between all sides as key to building a successful peace process.
“So I will meet with all sides and urge all sides to end all armed actions and to engage in meaningful dialogue.
“I believe there should be a complete cessation of all hostilities and freedom of movement for everyone.” Mr Adams said the region faced the challenge of bringing about a settlement on the basis of a two-state solution.
“This requires a sustainable and durable state for the Palestinian people. They share the region with their Israeli neighbours. Without doubt, the security of the people of Israel is linked inextricably to the rights, freedom and prosperity of the people of Palestine.
“They can co-exist peacefully together. I am certain about that.”
Mr Adams warned against making easy comparisons between the peace process in Ireland and efforts to resolve the conflict in the Middle East.
He said: “There are similarities but there are also significant differences.
“But it is clear that finding solutions will require leadership on both sides, and a willingness to take risks, initiatives, and compromise.
“And it will need the international community, and particularly the USA, to play a very positive and active role.”
PA