UN Security Council Debate on Middle East

Statement by H.E. Mr. Gordan Jandrokovic, Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Croatia on the UN Security Council debate on Middle East.

Mr. President, Mr. President, when addressing the situation in the Middle East over the course of this year, my Delegation has continued to be guided by one word: hope. Indeed, 2008 remains to be a year of hope for peace in the Middle East. Where there was nothing a year ago, now we have the Annapolis process underway, solid and substantive. The parties are negotiating, regularly and at all levels. There have been challenges and there will be challenges. But this should not be used to distract or derail the talks. The efforts that the parties are investing in this process should be praised. The international community, including this Council, should do its utmost to support them in making the required compromises to reach the shared goal of arriving at an agreement according to the agreed terms of reference by the end of this year. And even if this process takes longer than foreseen, this does not diminish in any way the commitment of the parties. This does not diminish the hope of peace. Mr. President, we have listened with attention the interventions made by distinguished speakers this morning. Over the past months we - and this Council - have been following the process closely and have repeatedly voiced concerns over the gap that persists between the vigorous political engagement and the developments on the ground. We recognize the need for tangible progress on the ground, through the implementation of mutual Road Map obligations and a refraining from confidence-eroding steps that can negatively affect the dynamics of the peace talks. The issue of settlements is addressed by the parties in the framework of bilateral talks. The settlement activity has also been addressed by key international actors, including the Quartet. The Quartet is meeting again in a couple of hours' time, followed by an Iftar with the Arab partners hosted by the Secretary-General. The Quartet meeting is taking place at a critical moment, and offers an opportunity to review and take stock of the process in all its aspects. It should be an opportunity to send a clear and effective message of encouragement and guidance to the negotiating parties. Mr. President, Croatia is mindful of the challenges that the parties and the peace process face. But we should not lose sight of the overall framework of the process, as well as the timing and context considerations. We believe that none of the obligations arising out of the Road Map can be read in isolation from the other, mutual, obligations set out in the Road Map, which calls for an assessment of the totality of the obligations arising for both sides under the Road Map. We understand that both sides are making an effort to improve conditions on the ground and that much more can be done. We are pleased by the signals indicating that "the downward slide of the past few years has been halted" in the West Bank. We appreciate the reform effort that the Palestinian Authority is making under the able leadership of Mr. Fayyad, and hope that this momentum can be continued and augmented through consistent donor support. The ability of the Palestinian Authority to build credible institutions and manage security, law and order is of key importance for both sides: not only it is an essential element of Palestinian state-building, it is also a legitimate expectation of the Israeli side. Israel must have confidence that the two-state solution shall not compromise the 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, This is a crucial time for the peace process. We should be careful not to abandon or distract it. The objective is clear and well established: a two-state solution, with a safe and secure Israel and a democratic, viable and peaceful Palestinian state living side by side within secure and recognized borders. Thank you, Mr. President.

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