merrion street

It is with great sadness that I heard of the death today of Saeb Erekat, Secretary General of the PLO and Palestinian Chief Negotiator.

Dr. Erekat was a leading voice for Palestinians and for peace. His willingness to engage and talk when it was not always easy or popular was a clear demonstration of his belief that through dialogue and negotiation, even the most difficult issues could be resolved. His contribution to peace, including the Oslo Peace Process, is testament to that.

I met with Dr. Erekat on many occasions during my visits to the region and in Dublin, when he accompanied President Abbas on his visit in 2018. We spoke regularly and I was always impressed by his commitment, which we share, to a just and lasting peace. While Dr. Erekat’s vision for peace was not achieved during his lifetime, it is for all of us in the international community to honour that commitment by working together for a pathway for peace in the Middle East.

I would like to extend my sympathies to his family and friends at this very difficult time, and to the Palestinian community in Ireland who will mourn his loss.