Bairbre de Brún to travel to Palestine as international election observer

22 January, 2006

Ms de Brún is travelling as part of a delegation from the European United Left/Nordic Green Left group in the European Parliament to observe the legislative elections in the country on Wednesday 25th January.

Speaking before the visit Ms de Brún said:

“My visit to Palestine comes at a time of instability and uncertainty in the Middle East. Part of my responsibility will be to observe the electoral process and to ascertain whether or not the election has been held in a free and fair manner, free from intimidation.

“It is crucial that the Palestinian people are given the opportunity to participate in the democratic electoral process. It is also essential that candidates and their election workers are not hindered in any way.

“I look forward to my forthcoming visit and being able to engage with the Palestinian people, and to find out at first hand the prospects for peace in Palestine and the region as a whole.” ENDS