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Mr Chairman,
New Zealand continues to be strongly supportive of all attempts to find a lasting solution to the Arab/Israeli conflict. We share the international community’s vision for a viable and territorially contiguous Palestinian state, existing side by side in peace and security with the state of Israel.
We welcome current efforts to convene a meeting to relaunch an effective peace process. At the same time we are concerned about the continuation of developments which seem to us to run counter to the drive for dialogue and a negotiated settlement.
In the first instance, we unequivocally condemn all militant attacks on Israel. These attacks have led to the deaths of Israeli citizens and are an ongoing provocation which threatens to derail the nascent peace process. Israel has a right to defend itself.
On the other hand, Israel’s use of force in the occupied Palestinian territories has at times been excessive and has led to a high number of civilian deaths and injuries. Israel must act in a way which does not threaten the lives of innocent Palestinian civilians.
We are concerned at moves by Israel to impede the flow of basic goods to the Gaza Strip and to cut essential services such as electricity and water. While we can understand Israel’s concern and exasperation at the ongoing rocket attacks, we agree with the Secretary-General that punitive measures which harm the well-being of the entire population are totally unacceptable. Such a step will only store up further resentment. By the same token, the demolition of Palestinian homes should also stop.
Israel also maintains a high incidence of movement restrictions on the West Bank. These restrictions suffocate the Palestinian economy and force many more Palestinian families below the poverty line. Again, they store up resentment for the future.
Mr Chairman,
Israel should act in a manner which is consistent with international law and must protect the rights of the civilian population in the occupied territories. This is the best way for it to promote an environment conducive to successful peace negotiations.
New Zealand remains committed to assisting through the provision of personnel for the Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai, the United Nations Truce Supervisory Organisation (UNTSO) in Israel, Syria and Lebanon, and the UN Mine Action Service in Lebanon.
We remain hopeful that the upcoming Annapolis meeting will see substantive achievements towards the negotiation of a just, enduring and comprehensive peace settlement between the two parties.
Thank you.
