Stalni predstavnik RH pri Ujedinjenim narodima, veleposlanik Neven Jurica, održao je 25. ožujka 2008. godine govor u Vijecu sigurnosti UN-a u svezi situacije na Bliskom istoku.
Let me begin with words of thanks to the Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon for his briefing, as well as to Under Secretary-General Pascoe.
Mr. President, I would like to reiterate our full support for the Annapolis process, which offers the only realistic chance for peace. We are encouraged by the resumption of meetings between the two sides despite recent difficulties, and welcome the recent high-level visits to the region.
The principle at the core of the peace process – the two state solution, with a viable Palestinian state and a safe and secure Israel – should remain the ultimate goal for both sides. Any deviation from this course will eventually lead us away from this goal and necessarily have negative affects on the outcome of this process.
As our earlier debates this year have repeatedly stressed, the absence of tangible improvements on the ground may also imperil the peace process. We therefore welcome efforts to create a calm atmosphere conducive for negotiations and the implementation of the Road Map.
Actions such as the terrorist attack of 6 March on a Jerusalem seminary, the very epitome of the Jewish identity, which we condemn in the strongest terms, are unjustifiable. Equally terrorizing is the launching of rockets into Israeli territory from Gaza by Hamas. Such acts, which give rise to Israel's undeniable right to self-defense, are unacceptable and have to be brought to an end. Let me be clear, one cannot remain insensitive in the face of persistent and unapologetic armed provocations that threaten the security of Israel and its civilian population. Terrorist attacks cannot be justified under any circumstances.
Croatia though shares the concerns about the serious humanitarian situation in Gaza, while being mindful of the circumstances that have contributed to creating it, namely the violent takeover by Hamas last summer and its terrorist activities. We are therefore encouraged by Under Secretary-General Pascoe's report on the improvement of the import of much needed supplies to Gaza. We are aware that the present situation is negatively affecting the social and economic structure of Palestinian society, and can also have a destabilizing effect on the peace process. We are particularly worried by the fact that even the relief effort is facing obstacles in this territory that is already heavily dependent on aid. We hope to see the early resumption of UN and other projects in Gaza and call on the parties to continue to work on the controlled re-opening of Gaza crossings.
Croatia once again reiterates its view that only a permanent political settlement can fundamentally alter the economic and humanitarian problems faced by the Palestinians and bring lasting security for Israel. If some actors are allowed to continue with their destabilizing and terrorist acts, the peace process will not be able to advance to its desired conclusion – a just and sustainable peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
We continue to believe that 2008 is a decisive year for the Middle East. Particularly, we hope that the parties will be able to reach a peace settlement based on the parameters agreed to in Annapolis. It is therefore crucial that the parties keep negotiating in good faith, implementing obligations from Phase One of the Road Map. International humanitarian law should guide the actions of all parties on the ground. No less important are the efforts towards Palestinian institution-building and economic reform.
Mr. President, turning to Lebanon let me stress that Croatia remains deeply preoccupied with the volatile political and security situation and lack of progress in overcoming the political paralysis that exists in that country. In order to avoid the further destabilization of an already fragile Lebanese society, the convening of presidential elections should remain a priority. Yet another deadline was missed today.
The atmosphere of political uncertainty also remains an impediment for reaching the goals of resolution 1701, including on disarmament issues. The continued allegations of breaches of the arms embargo, which Hisbullah does not deny, are disturbing, as is the recent bellicose rhetoric of its leaders. We condemn the continuing string of intimidation and brutal attacks in Lebanon which threaten its very sovereignty as well as legitimate institutions. It is our belief that efforts to end impunity should be seen as an integral part of a sustained political process and we salute the progress achieved thus far in setting up the Special Tribunal for Lebanon.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Priopćenja
