Državni tajnik za europske integracije dr.sc. Davor Božinovic održao je govor na ministarskoj sjednici Vijeca sigurnosti UN-a o situaciji na Bliskom istoku.
Let me begin by thanking the Secretary-General for his address and expressing my country's appreciation for the personal efforts he has invested in helping to advance the Middle East peace process.
Let me also express our gratitude to Minister Lavrov and his Delegation for organizing this Debate that timely focuses our attention on the need to reinvigorate diplomatic action on reaching a comprehensive and lasting peace in the Middle East.
In many of its aspects, the Arab-Israeli conflict remains a defining conflict of our time: tensions and turbulence in the region often reverberate globally. Conversely, the dynamics on the international scene have not always been conducive to achieving a solution. We deem this to be an opportune moment to which provides the right context and momentum that should be harnessed to achieve a final and lasting peace.
At the heart of it lies the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. While respecting its essentially bilateral nature, we also recognize that unwavering international support to the process and to the parties' efforts is critical in creating the political context for successful negotiations. We should also not lose sight of the regional dimension of the process. For its part, Croatia values the efforts of the responsible regional partners towards securing a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, including the Arab Peace Initiative.
We recognize and commend the role played by the United States in this regard, and are encouraged by the early and principled engagement of President Obama's administration with regional actors, including with both the Palestinians and the Israelis.
Today's meeting comes at a critical time when all efforts should be channeled into preserving this momentum and creating an environment which would allow the parties to continue to build on the progress achieved, guided by the principles and mutual understanding reflected in resolution 1850 that this Council adopted last December.
Last year we witnessed the evolution of a comprehensive, direct and results-oriented Israeli-Palestinian negotiation process within the framework set out in Annapolis. There was also the opening of important regional tracks; between Israel and Syria and between Syria and Lebanon. Despite the recent impasse, we cannot afford to lose the momentum achieved. We thus salute the Russian initiative to provide new impetus for a comprehensive peace process, both on Israeli-Palestinian, as well as the Syrian and Lebanese tracks, primarily through preparations for the Moscow conference.
Resolution 1850 for Croatia remains an important benchmark. It emphasizes the irreversibility of the peace talks and the need to advance the process under Annapolis' guiding principles, as well as the need to intensify efforts to foster mutual recognition and peaceful coexistence in the region.
I would like to reiterate here our belief in the ongoing peace process based on the vision of a two state solution: a democratic and peaceful Palestine living side by side with a democratic and secure Israel, and to advance the momentum towards a just, lasting, comprehensive peace for the Middle East. It is important that the parties continue to engage in direct and substantial negotiations on all levels, and that they receive our full support along this journey.
We recognize the challenges that the parties face on that journey, even more so now in the wake of the recent conflict in Gaza and a sensitive period of political transition. We welcome the opportunity the formation of the new Israeli government can have in providing for the resumption and consolidation of the peace talks.
We also understand that the dynamics in Gaza cannot be separated from the broader picture and efforts towards achieving a comprehensive peace. Gaza remains in dire and urgent need of humanitarian and reconstruction assistance. Despite encouraging donor responses in the aftermath of the crisis, we are mindful that the reconstruction and the long-term recovery and development of Gaza depends principally on a stable and secure environment which, in turn, remains critical for the sustained opening of Gaza crossings, as requested by resolution 1860.
Moreover, the full implementation of resolution 1860 – which includes putting an end to arms smuggling and the capacity of Hamas and other militant groups to launch attacks against Israel – is critical for attaining a durable ceasefire. In this regard, let me reiterate our appreciation for international and regional efforts, notably those of Egypt.
The aftermath of the crisis in Gaza has highlighted the significance of intra-Palestinian reconciliation. We support efforts towards that end and would support a Palestinian government which renounces violence and which respects previous agreements and obligations, as well as the Quartet principles.
As the political and diplomatic process remain inextricably linked with the situation on the ground, we hope to see tangible changes in accordance with the obligations that both parties have committed to under the Road Map and reaffirmed in Annapolis, and to refrain from all measures that risk prejudging the outcome of negotiations or eroding trust and confidence.
Furthermore, we understand that development and peace are mutually reinforcing, and that economic development is an essential part of a lasting solution. Here too, sustained international engagement remains critical, both for stimulating Palestinian economic renewal, as well as for the reform processes, notably in the sphere of security and rule of law. The ability of the Palestinian Authority to build credible institutions and a security infrastructure that is willing and able to combat terrorism and anarchy remains an essential element of Palestinian state-building and a legitimate expectation on the Israeli side.
Mr. President,
We understand through personal experience from our region that the current period is beset by challenges for both the Israeli and the Palestinian sides. This makes it all the more important that the international community, including this Council and an active Quartet, continue to encourage the parties to persist in their effort towards achieving the shared goal of a just, lasting, comprehensive peace for the Middle East, with two states, a democratic and peaceful Palestine living side by side with a democratic and secure Israel.
Before finishing, my Delegation would also like to thank the Russian Delegation for preparing the draft PRST that we are about to adopt, as well as other Council delegations for the constructive positions and flexibility shown in bringing this consensual text together.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Priopćenja
