Statement introducing UNGA Resolution on 'Comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East'
Speech
06 December 2018Statement by H.E. Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason, Permanent Representative of Ireland, at the United Nations General Assembly intoducing draft resolution A/73/L.49 on 'Comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East'
Madam President,
Ireland is pleased to table the draft resolution entitled ‘Comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East’.
Such a peace, unfortunately, is not currently in sight. To resolve the Middle East conflict, twenty five years after the signing of the Oslo Agreements, requires reversing the current negative developments on the ground.
Settlement activity, violence, and terror all lead us away from progress towards a negotiated two-state solution with Jerusalem as the future capital of both states.
As the resolution indicates, a two-state solution must be based on long-standing and agreed parameters, including an end to the occupation that began in 1967. A settlement of the conflict must meet Israeli and Palestinian security needs and Palestinian aspirations for statehood and sovereignty, and resolve all final status issues. Ireland, along with its partners in the European Union, will continue to work towards that end with both parties, and its regional and international partners.
As a country that has endured and overcome conflict, and has nurtured a successful peace process with important international support, Ireland remains hopeful that divisions can be overcome, and long standing enmities set aside. This will require leadership and vision, along with the active support of the international community. A comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East is possible. It must be based on agreed and long-standing parameters which recognise the legitimate aspirations and security needs of both Palestinian and Israeli peoples. We believe it is important to reaffirm these shared understandings, and we urge our fellow members of the United Nations to support this resolution.
Thank you Madam President.