Statement delivered by Mr. Vice Skracic, Minister Counsellor of the Republic of Croatia to the United Nations, on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
Mr. President, let me begin by extending our thanks to Under-Secretary-General Pascoe for his candid and informative statement.
Mr. President, let me begin by extending our thanks to Under-Secretary-General Pascoe for his candid and informative statement.
Mr. President, my country joined the Council as an elected member in a moment which was marked by renewed hope for reaching comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Late last year, the international community gathered at the Annapolis Peace Conference pledged its support for this process. The parties have since demonstrated admirable courage and determination in pursuing that track. My delegation finds encouragement in the fact that, despite challenges, the two parties remain committed and engaged in bilateral talks within the framework of the Annapolis process. Achieving a two-state solution and a just, comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East based on the relevant resolutions of the Security Council, should remain the ultimate goal.
We believe that the international community, including this Council, has to do its utmost to support the parties in this goal. We remain cognizant of the fact that progress in the political and diplomatic process remains inextricably linked with tangible improvements on the ground and share the views expressed in the latest Quartet Statement (Berlin, 24th June): there is urgent need for more visible progress on the ground in order to build confidence and support progress in the negotiations.
This is why we fully support the international effort that begun last December with the Paris Donor's Conference, followed by the Palestine Investment Conference in Bethlehem in May and the Berlin Conference in Support of the Palestinian Civil Security and the Rule of Law in June this year. This, coupled with the Special Envoy's effort to bring the parties together to stimulate economic renewal, helps to bring about a climate of confidence, security and physical mobility, therefore building a platform for peace. This is why it is critical that the donors' commitments are being fulfilled.
In this context, let me also reiterate our support for the objectives promoted by the Berlin Conference on Security and Rule of Law. “Security is the most important service any government should provide to its citizens”, if I may quote Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad. This requirement extends to building up an effective and accountable security infrastructure, including a proper criminal justice system, as well as the police sector. The ability of the Palestinian Authority to build credible institutions and manage security is of key importance for both sides: not only it is an essential element of Palestinian state-building, it is also a legitimate expectation on the Israeli side. Israel must have confidence that the two-state solution would not compromise safety and security of its citizens. This can only be achieved if there is a viable, responsible and democratic Palestinian state by its side; a state which is willing and able to combat terrorism and anarchy.
Mr. President,
Over recent weeks we have seen a number of positive signals coming from the region. Having said that, let me also congratulate France, as Presidency of the EU, on the successful effort to introduce new dynamism in the region through the establishment of the Union for the Mediterranean.
Recognizing that peace in the Middle East requires a comprehensive solution, we welcome Israel's readiness to take steps to reach out to other actors in the region, demonstrating interest in addressing a number of challenging issues. We remain hopeful that these steps will be met with a positive and responsible response, so as to reinforce the dynamics of peace. The period of calm in Gaza, as well as the announcements that Israel and Syria have been conducting indirect peace talks have been encouraging indeed, as was last week's prisoner exchange between Israel and Hezbollah, which, we hope, will be conducive to further positive moves.
We are gravely concerned by actions that are putting strains on the Gaza period of calm, including today's attack, as well as the outrageous attack that took place in Jerusalem on 2 July, which we condemn in the strongest terms. We appeal for every effort to sustain the period of calm in Gaza, and thus enable the restrictions on Gaza to be progressively eased, the crossings reopened and the UN projects resumed. We also hope to see progress regarding the case of abducted Israeli corporal Gilad Shalit.
Turning to Lebanon, my Delegation welcomes the recent formation of a national unity Government in Beirut, as well as the election of Mr. Suleiman as President of Lebanon in May, and hope that this momentum, instigated by the Doha Agreement, will be used to consolidate the constitutional institutions of Lebanon and strengthen the Government's control over its entire territory. The acute sectarian violence in May was a stark reminder of the relevance of the requirement to disarm all non-governmental groups, Lebanese and non-Lebanese. It is now essential that the totality of the commitments accepted by Lebanon's political leaders in the Doha Agreement be fully implemented, including the ban against using arms to further political goals. It is equally important that the obligations arising out of the Taif Agreement are also implemented, as well as relevant Security Council resolutions. We are encouraged by the announced intentions of establishing diplomatic relations between Syria and Lebanon and salute this week's high-level meetings in Beirut. It is our hope that these recent developments translate into effective consolidation of Lebanon's stability and sovereignty, thus contributing to the peace and stability of the wider region.
Thank you Mr. President.
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