Statement by
Let me begin by joining previous speakers in thanking Mr. B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, for his briefing on the current situation in the Middle East. This monthly consideration by the Security Council of the Middle East issue is taking place against developments which are affecting the daily life of the peoples in the region as well as the efforts to bring peace to the region. Peace in the Middle East was given an impetus when in Annapolis, in November 2007, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and President Mahmoud Abbas reached a historic joint understanding, which outlines commitments from both sides for the resumption of peace negotiations. We remain confident that both leaders will do their utmost to realize the Annapolis goals. We are particularly encouraged that the parties have begun negotiations on core issues. The continued support of the international community remains pertinent. The Paris donors conference is a commendable instance of such a contribution by the international community. We welcome the progress that has been made as a follow-up to the conference. Mr. President, The Annapolis conference marked a new chapter in negotiated solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Its outcome provides a framework for concrete results, including a peace treaty between the two nations. However, the actual outcome of this on-going dialogue has yet to net clear movement in the direction of a solution to this conflict. Serious challenges remain. Indeed, during this period, the vicious cycle of violence has continued, in particular in the Gaza Strip. As USG Lynn Pascoe has reported, it has been a month of heavy bloodshed. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is dire and unacceptable. The people of Gaza have been suffering not only from the closing of the border crossings, but also from the repeated military incursions by Israel. Unless comprehensively addressed, the situation in the Gaza Strip risks jeopardising the precious promise heralded by the Annapolis conference. We delved into the situation in Gaza extensively during the Council open debate and its follow-up consultations last week. We wish today to again emphasize the importance of a common Council response on this unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. The Council cannot remain silent. It is indeed, a deafening silence. It is therefore a source of deep disappointment that, despite serious and well intentioned efforts, consensus was not achieved. In the absence of such consensus, a forum such as today is invaluable to provide opportunities for views to be expressed.
We continue to believe that an inter-Palestinian dialogue is crucial to the success of the peace process. The dialogue is critical to move forward the peace process, not only to build consensus, but to curb the violence which continues to erupt. With different sides advancing positions which sometimes oppose and contradict one another, deadlock in achieving consensus characterizes the current political process and prevents progress. As we prepare to move forward on this process, it is imperative that efforts be made to facilitate dialogue among Palestinian factions. Mr. President, On Lebanon, we remain concerned over the terrorist attacks and continued political impasse that paralyze the Government of Lebanon. Lebanon’s election of a new President has now been postponed 13 times. In a moment such as now, there is an urgent need for not only political consensus among contending factions, but also breakthroughs that could end the political stalemate in the country. In this regard, Indonesia welcomes the efforts of the Arab League Secretary-General, Mr. Amr Moussa in consulting with and encouraging various quarters in Lebanon to achieve unity and execute the presidential election. We recognize the importance of the three-point plan proposed by the League. A presidential election must be realized in accordance with the Lebanese Constitution. Its continued postponement could bring harmful effects on the unity of the country. We believe that the process should be nationally owned; it should be done from, by, and for the Lebanese. All parties concerned must now break the current impasse and build consensus that leads to the election of a President. Mr. President, The Middle East conflict has been so prolonged. The need to find a peaceful, just, lasting, and comprehensive settlement to the conflict is absolutely critical. The Government of Indonesia is committed to helping achieve an end to this protracted and bitter conflict that has been wearing on the parties for far too long. Our commitment and support for the Palestinian cause is total and unwavering. We hope that multilateral efforts, including by the Security Council and those of the Quartet and the Arab League, could maximize their full potential in contributing to the achievement of a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace in the Middle East, based on relevant resolutions of the Council, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), and 1515 (2003), the Madrid terms of reference and the principle of land for peace, and the Arab Peace Initiative. I thank you, Mr. President.
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