References to Palestine in the UN General Debate. 67 session (September 2012) First Day, September 25.

Transcription

1 Palestine Liberation Organization Negotiations Affairs Department September 2012 References to Palestine in the UN General Debate 67 session (September 2012) First Day, September 25. Please find below a compilation of statements made by various countries and the United Nations during the first day of the UNGA General Debate (67 Session). We have omitted all countries that did not make direct reference to the situation of Palestine. UN Ban Ki Moon: The two-state solution is the only sustainable option. Yet the door may be closing, for good After decades of harsh occupation and humiliating restrictions in almost every aspect of their lives, the Palestinians must be able to realize their right to a viable state of their own. Israel must be able to live in peace and security, free from threats and rockets. Israel must be able to live in peace and security, free from threats and rockets. The two-state solution is the only sustainable option. Yet the door may be closing, for good. The continued growth of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory seriously undermines efforts toward peace. We must break this dangerous impasse. European Countries:

2 Finland: A two-state solution, within which an independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian state lives in peace and security with the State of Israel, is slipping out of reach. The Palestinians have waited patiently. A two-state solution, within which an independent, viable and contiguous Palestinian state lives in peace and security with the State of Israel, is slipping out of reach. The Palestinians have waited patiently. The negotiations must restart. That is the only way. Renewed negotiations need to result in a sustainable solution that leads to the establishment of a Palestinian state while respecting Israel s legitimate security concerns. Settlements are squarely a contravention of international law and a growing obstacle to peace. Cyprus: It is imperative ( ) a free and independent Palestinian State, based on the pre1967 borders. Against this background of significant changes in the region, the Middle East Peace Process continues to be at an impasse. It is imperative to resume negotiations, which will eventually lead to the implementation of Security Council resolutions and the establishment of a free and independent Palestinian State, based on the pre1967 borders. The solution must, at the same time, address the legitimate security concerns of Israel. Bulgaria: we urge both the Palestinians and the Israelis to refrain from any unilateral actions which could be dest ructive to the peace process. At the same time the need to reactivate the Middle East Peace Process seems now more pressing than ever. Bulgaria looks forward to the resumption, in good faith, of t he direct negotiations and expects both parties to demonstrate their continued commi tment to a peaceful solution respecting the legitimate interests and sensitivities of the Israeli and Palestinian people. All efforts should be made to cre ate an environment conducive to a comprehensive peace settlement based on the two state solution. In this respect, we urge both the Palestinians and the Israelis to refrain from any unilateral actions which could be destructive to the pea ce process. France: the status quo is not an answer. It's a dead

3 In this region of the Middle East is the urgency to finally find a solution to the Israeli- Palestinian conflict the status quo is not an answer. It's a dead / France help with all his might to restore the foundations of a confident negotiation leading to the coexistence of two states which everyone knows is the only solution that is fair and sustainable. (Translated from French by XA) Spain: My government, committed to the goal of peace, is convinced that the creation of a viable Palestinian State is a crucial element in the solution of the conflict Another year has passed, and we have not seen progress in the Middle East Peace Process. We defend that the solution to the conflict in the Middle East includes the existence of two States, the Israeli and the Palestinian, living in peace and security. Any delay in achieving this goal will lead to a growing frustration that will affect the rest of the world. The International Community, and above all, the actors involved, must have the courage to adopt the necessary measures and decisions to achieve that global, just and durable peace that responds to the legitimate yearnings of both peoples. My government, committed to the goal of peace, is convinced that the creation of a viable Palestinian State is a crucial element in the solution of the conflict. It will bring beneficial effects for the security and welfare of Israel, for the return to normality in the regional relations and finally, for the International Community as a whole. Until that moment, the parties must avoid endangering the viability of the twostate solution. Latin American Countries Brazil: Only a free and sovereign Palestine will be able to legitimately make peace with Israel I would like to reiterate what I said here in 2011, when I spoke about recognizing the State of Palestine and its admission as a full member to the UN. Today I would like to say once again: Only a free and sovereign Palestine will be able to legitimately make peace with Israel, having peace on their borders and political stability. (Translated from Spanish by XA) Argentina: We call for the recognition of the State of Palestine on the pre-1967 borders ( ) this remains the main regional problem

4 The need for the existence and recognition of the State of Palestine, just as the need for the existence and recognition of the State of Israel according to internationally recognized borders of before 1967, is the main problem in the region (Middle East). From Argentina, and I m sure I m representing the rest of our region as well, we call upon you to give an answer to something that has been there for decades and that due to different reasons, several western powers, that enjoy great responsibility, have failed to solve (Translated from Spanish by XA) North American Countries US: The road is hard but the destination is clear a secure, Jewish state of Israel; and an independent, prosperous Palestine. Among Israelis and Palestinians, the future must not belong to those who turn their backs on the prospect of peace. Let us leave behind those who thrive on conflict, and those who reject the right of Israel to exist. The road is hard but the destination is clear a secure, Jewish state of Israel; and an independent, prosperous Palestine. Understanding that such a peace must come through a just agreement between the parties, America will walk alongside all who are prepared to make that journey. African Countries Benin: The UN today has the means to find a just and durable solution to the Palestinian problem and they [the UN], must not, under any pretext, shirk this duty or this historic responsibility. The number of injustices to be repaired, in order to create a dynamic of durable peace in the world, includes the question of the creation of a Palestinian State, which must be admitted as a member, a full part of the whole of the UN, with all the related attributes and rights. The UN today has the means to find a just and durable solution to the Palestinian problem and they [the UN], must not, under any pretext, shirk this duty or this historic responsibility. This is not only to do with the security, stability and peace of the Middle East itself, but for the benefit of the whole world. [sic] Africa is entirely in favor of a free and independent Palestinian State, living in peaceful and lasting coexistence with the State of Israel. She [Africa] unconditionally supports

5 the realisation of the two-state solution [lit: the solution of one land, two states ] with a view to restoring a lasting peace in the Near East, because ultimately, the two peoples, Palestinians and Israelis must be able to live in love, friendship and peace. [Translated from the French SLH] Senegal: Senegal restates its support for the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its Capital and sitting here among free Nations. The country [Guinea-Bissay] deserves the attention and support of the international community. The same holds true for Palestine. As guarantor for the collective security of Member States under the UN Charter, the Security Council has the obligation to act in order to bring an end to such a situation. In its capacity as Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Senegal restates its support for the creation of a viable and independent Palestinian State, with East Jerusalem as its Capital and sitting here among free Nations. A viable and independent Palestine State, living in peace with the State of Israel, each within secure and internationally recognized borders, is one of our oldest promises we have not yet fulfilled. Its fulfilment remains, however, the only guarantee for a peaceful, fair and lasting settlement of the Middle East crisis. In the interest of all the peoples of the region and the world, it is high time that the Holy Land of the three revealed religions no longer be a land of fire, blood and tears ; because the light of wisdom emanating from its spiritual calling makes it instead a land of peace and human fraternity. South Africa: It is unacceptable that until today, Palestine remains outside of the membership of the United Nations. As the UN we cannot be seen to be strong in condemning some and on the other hand, being soft on others. As South Africa, we remain committed to the two-state solution based on the 1967 borders with Palestine and Israel co-existing side by side in peace.

6 Let me also emphasise that South Africa fully supports the application by Palestine for full membership of the United Nations. It is unacceptable that until today, Palestine remains outside of the membership of the United Nations. We trust that this matter will be concluded positively soon. Gabon: These wishes are equally those of the people of Palestine ( ) who aspire to a better future ( )aspires towards recognition as a state living in peace and security alongside all its neighbors inside safe and internationally recognized borders Must it be raised that the crises and conflicts which continue to destabilize the world translate the aspirations to peace and security, justice, development, and the sovereign equality of states, which the peoples call of all their wishes(voeux?)? These wishes are equally those of the people of Palestine and the people of Cuba, who aspire to a better future. One aspires towards recognition as a state living in peace and security alongside all its neighbors inside safe and internationally recognized borders; the other asks for the lifting of an economic, commercial and financial embargo, which prejudices against it. The GA regularly pronounces in favor of these two peoples through various resolutions to which my country subscribes. To respond to these aspirations of all people, we must build a more balanced global governance, more democratic, more organized, backed by the values of the Charter of the UN. [Translated from French by SLH] Uganda: Uganda continues to call upon both parties to negotiate and reach a peaceful settlement based on a two-state solution On the Israeli-Palestinian question, Uganda continues to call upon both parties to negotiate and reach a peaceful settlement based on a two-state solution; a Palestinian State living side by side with Israel in peace, security and mutual recognition. Finally, Mr. President, we reaffirm our commitment to peaceful settlement of conflicts, and fostering international cooperation based on the principles of sovereign equality, justice and adherence to international law.

7 Arab Countries Qatar: I would like to ask why does the international community not do something to implement the relevant resolutions of legitimacy in the Middle East ( ) And I find no answer to my question Despite all the suffering in the Middle East, the core problem remains the Palestinian question and the continued Israeli occupation of the Arab territories in the West Bank, the Golan, the Saba a Farms in Southern Lebanon in addition to the stifling blockade imposed on the Gaza Strip and the continued arrest and imprisonment of thousands of Palestinians. The peace process has stopped because of the current Israeli position that insists on continuing the policy of settlement n the Palestinian Territories and Jerusalem and refusing to cede them. Sometimes, I would like to ask why does the international community not do something to implement the relevant resolutions of legitimacy in the Middle East and why does the Security Council not adopt a resolution under Chapter VII that forces Israel to stop the blockade of Gaza and the settlements and return the peace process to its comprehensive track instead of the partial solutions that have not lead to any results. And I find no answer to my question Jordan: For almost sixty-five years, the Palestinian people have been the exception to the U.N. promise. While we deal with these challenges, we must never lose focus on the crisis at the heart of the region. For almost sixty-five years, the Palestinian people have been the exception to the U.N. promise. The shelter of international law and human rights: except not yet. The dignity of living in freedom and security: except not yet. The right to self-determination: except not yet. Enough. As the Arab Spring demanded dignity for all, so it demanded the end of exceptionalism. No single issue causes greater anger than to tell an entire people that when it comes to global justice, they don t count. The Arab Summer cannot bear its full fruit, until the Palestinian-Israeli conflict ends, and ends with a just peace- and a Palestinian state living side by side with a secure Israel at peace with the entire region.

8 Earlier this year, in Amman, we succeeded in getting both sides back to the table for exploratory talks. Then positive traction stopped again. Illegal settlement-building and unilateral actions continue, constituting diret threats to a negotiated peace. We are extremely concerned by threats to Jerusalem and the sanctity of its Muslim and Christian holy sites. The Al-Aqsa Mosque and Compound- Al-Haram Al-Sharif of East Jerusalmem- is under Hashemite custodianship, a special role recognised by the 1994 Jordan-Israel peace treaty, and protected as occupied territory by international law. It is Islam s third holiest site, and its importance to 1.7 billion Muslims, one quarter of the world s population, is similar to the importance of the Ka aba itself. Let me be absolutely clear, any invasion or division of the site of the Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa would be viewed, not only as a breach of Israel s obligations, but as profound religious transgression. The international community must send a clear message that such a transgression- or any attempt to erase the Arab, Muslim, or Christian identity of Jerusalem- will not be tolerated. What is needed now is the full weight of our nations, united. Neither the parties nor the world can afford continued hostility and insecurity. There maybe a rare window of opportunity, later this year, after the U.S. elections, to achieve what both sides so urgently need: two states, at peace, Palestine and Israel- both secure, both free to look forwads- on the basis of a just, comprehensive and final settlement. This has always been and will remain a foremost priority for Jordan. Let me say here, as I have said before, that the Arab world is seeking peace, real peace. Diplomatic relations. Economic relations. Trade. Investment. A new normality, in peace, where people are safe in their homes where communities are able to build and where cooperation helps the entire region prosper. All this has been on offer since over ten years- under the Arab Peace Initiative through which 57 Arab and Muslim countries have reached out, collectively, to Israel. It is time for Israel to turn around, look to the future we share, and make a just and lasting peace with the Palestinians. Asian Countries Afghanistan: We remain in full support of the realization of the rights of our brothers and sisters in Palestine including their right to an independent Palestinian State.

9 The continuing plight of the Palestinian people has been a deep source of distress for Afghanistan and the rest of the international community. The people of Palestine have suffered immensely, for far too long. We remain in full support of the realization of the rights of our brothers and sisters in Palestine, including their right to an independent Palestinian State. The time has come for a end to the occupation, and for realizing a just, comprehensive and peaceful solution to the conflict, based on the relevant resolution of the UN General Assembly and Security Council.