Stalni predstavnik RH pri Ujedinjenim narodima, veleposlanik Neven Jurica, održao je govor u Vijecu sigurnosti UN-a o stanju na Bliskom istoku.
I would like to begin by thanking the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Robert Serry for his briefing.
Today's meeting comes at the end of an eventful year marked by a number of encouraging developments in the Middle East. Croatia joined the Council at a time which was marked by renewed hope for reaching comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Under strong United States leadership, we have witnessed the evolution of a comprehensive, direct and results-oriented Israeli-Palestinian negotiation process within the framework set out in Annapolis a year ago. The parties have built a solid negotiating structure and held direct, serious and substantive talks regularly and at all levels. We applaud their unwavering commitment to peace.
On the regional plan, there has been an opening of important regional tracks, between Israel and Syria and between Syria and Lebanon. In Lebanon, the adoption of the Doha Agreement led to developments that hold the promise of a new era of democracy, genuine national reconciliation and stabilization.
A series of high-level meetings this week reaffirmed the international community's commitment to the shared goal of a two-state solution and a lasting peace in the Middle East.
Two days ago this Council adopted resolution 1850, an important benchmark in the peace process which endorsed these achievements and expressed support for the irreversibility and continuation of the Annapolis process and its guiding principles. To complement this process, it also urges an intensification of efforts to foster mutual recognition and peaceful coexistence in the region.
The resolution came at a critical point in 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, while guided by the principles and mutual understanding reflected in resolution 1850 and Quartet statement of November 9, 2008.
We recognize the challenges that the parties face on that journey, even more so now as they are embarking on a sensitive period of political transition. We understand that the political and diplomatic process remain inextricably linked with the situation on the ground and hope to see tangible changes in accordance with the obligations that both parties have committed to under the Road Map and reaffirmed in Annapolis. The deterioration of the humanitarian and security situation in Gaza and renewed rocket attacks on South Israel – including dozens only this week, which in turn impact the activities of UN agencies and humanitarian assistance operations, remain a serious concern.
Furthermore, we understand that development and peace are mutually reinforcing, and that economic development is an essential part of the lasting solution. This is why the continued 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. We hope to see the success of Jenin, Nablus and Hebron replicated elsewhere. The ability of the Palestinian Authority to build credible institutions and security infrastructure that is willing and able to combat terrorism and anarchy is both an essential element of Palestinian state-building and a legitimate expectation on the Israeli side.
While respecting the integrity of the bilateral negotiations, we should not forget the regional dimension of the process. The efforts of the responsible regional partners towards securing a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East, including the Arab Peace Initiative, are a valued complement to the ongoing peace process.
In many of its aspects, the Arab-Israeli conflict remains a defining conflict of our time. Tensions in the region reverberate globally. This makes the irresponsible and threatening rhetoric coming from the Iranian leadership all the more alarming.
In closing, I would like to reiterate our belief in the ongoing peace process. To quote the Prime Minister of Croatia, Dr. Ivo Sanader, this is the best chance we have. The parties have set into motion a momentum we cannot afford to lose. They deserve our full support on that journey. We have a shared and clear goal: to turn into reality the vision of two states: 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.
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