UN General Assembly
2013

are remarkable and deserve far more support from the international community. We should not underestimate the strain being imposed on those countries and the threats being posed to refugee populations. Ireland has contributed $15 million to the humanitarian operation, and we stand ready to do more within our means. Elsewhere in the Middle East, we also see the prospect of progress. In Ireland, we know what it takes to make peace after a protracted conflict. I want to acknowledge the work being done in the current direct talks between Israeli and Palestinian negotiators, which all who wish for peace must welcome. I want to commend in particular the determination and engagement of United States Secretary of State John Kerry, who has done so much to bring that about, and the leadership of President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu, who have had to accept difficult choices to begin the process of negotiation. We all know, and they know, that many more difficult choices lie before them if they are to succeed and to secure a comprehensive