Taoiseach bans two Israeli ministers over Palestinian elimination remarks

Mr Martin confirmed justice minister Jim O’Callaghan has instructed officials to prohibit any travel into Ireland for the two Israeli ministers. “In my view, their behaviour justifies sanctions at EU level as well, and that’s something that we will raise. Now, whether we can get sufficient support across the European Union is a different matter,” he said. He said their behaviour, not just in the context of the Flotilla, but regarding their consistent statements regarding Palestinians have amounted to a “desire to see the elimination

of Palestinians from Palestine.” “That’s something that the international community need to take on board and we will be pursuing that,” he added. Europe will grow closer to Canada over the coming years, to maintain multilateralism as the EU needs more “middle powers”, the Taoiseach also said. Mr Martin is meeting EU and Western Balkans leaders at the summit in Tivat. As Ireland prepares to take over the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, one of its priorities will be to seize

momentum to support the union’s enlargement. Expansion of EU to 40 states On Thursday, the President of Finland said the EU should expand to 40 states to project power on the global stage – and said Canada should join the union. This comes as the actions of the US administration and Russia’s war with Ukraine have both prompted several countries to reconsider the benefits of being part of the EU. Asked if he would like to see Canada join the union, Mr Martin said that

he while he hasn’t seen the statement, he said there are growing relationships through the context of European Political Community. “There will be a lot of discussions around how we broaden that sort of European approach outside of the European Union,” Mr Martin told the Irish Examiner. Next week, Canadian prime minister Mark Carney is due to visit Ireland. “We see stronger relationships with Canada, the precise form and framework that relationship will take between the EU and Canada is obviously some distance away and

has to be worked out. “But there is a strong consensus growing that we do need middle powers more generally to work together to maintain multilateralism, develop strong trading agreements and technology agreements to make sure multilateralism is continually affirm by the vast majority of countries in the world.” Mr Martin emphasised enlargement is a key priorities as we move into Irish presidency – particularly the progression of the accession process for Montenegro. “We want to give a very strong commitment that we will work

very hard with the government of Montenegro with the Commission and with other member states to finalise the negotiations in terms of the various chapters that remain to be concluded,” he said. Despite the “very challenging timeline”, Mr Martin said the negotiation process should get over the line by the end of the year for Montenegro. “I think that will give a very tangible sign to the people of the region that enlargement is here, that it will happen,” he said.

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