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Coveney criticises US decision to cut aid to Palestinians

Simon Coveney addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York
Simon Coveney addressed the United Nations General Assembly in New York

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney has criticised the United States' decision to cut funding to aid programmes benefiting Palestinians.

Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Mr Coveney said that the decision was simply adding to the turmoil of current pressures.

Last month, the US announced that it cancelled over $200m in aid for Palestinians in Gaza and West Bank.

At the time, the country's ambassador accused US President Donald Trump of being "anti-peace". 

In his address, Mr Coveney said that people who have been downtrodden for decades will not be pressured into negotiating through enforced hardship and humiliation.

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The Tánaiste also highlighted the fact that this year marks the 60th anniversary of Ireland's participation in UN peacekeeping missions.

He called for the UN Security Council to be reformed because, he said, many parts of the world are not sufficiently represented.

Mr Coveney also told delegates that Ireland is a "proud and ambitious candidate" for a rotating seat on the Security Council in 2021.

The Government is hoping to secure a two-year term on the council that year.