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Statement by before the Security Council New York, 21 July 2005
Let me begin by expressing my delegation’s appreciation to Mr. Alvaro de Soto, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and the Secretary-General’s Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority, for his comprehensive briefing. Just two days ago, the Indonesian delegation to the substantive session of ECOSOC delivered statement deploring the deepening economic and social hardship endured by Palestinian people in the face of Israeli policies and practices in the Occupied Territory. Against the backdrop of the recent development in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, in particular the deterioration of the situation on the ground, the convening of this meeting upon the request of the Arab Group and the Arab League, is indeed called for. We are particularly alarmed by the continuation of the Israel’s its unlawful Wall construction in the territory, including in and around East Jerusalem. This is a blatant violation of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, and also flagrant disrespect for the relevant advisory opinion of the ICJ as well as the General Assembly resolution ES-IS of 20 July 2004. Clearly the construction of the wall violates the economic and social rights of the Palestinian people, consequently having grave effects for their economic and social conditions We cannot ignore the resource problems including lack of water distribution and water pollution deriving from infrastructure and environmental damages as the result of this policy that have caused waterborne diseases, not to mention the food insecurity that will certainly affect the health of the Palestinian people. Israeli plan to extend its Wall around the illegal settlements located east of Jerusalem will lead to the confiscation of even more Palestinian land. This will exacerbate the freedom of movement of Palestinian civilians to and from Jerusalem. Indeed the settlement are causing geographical fragmentation that eventually threatens family life and affects the most vulnerable of the population, which is children, who are facing greater difficulties in accessing education. As we speak, more Palestinian homes, factories, public infrastructure, agricultural land, continue to be destroyed for illegal settlements rendering more Palestinians as refugees in their own land. If such Israeli policies and practices are allowed to go further, the possible final status issue of the occupied East Jerusalem in future peace negotiations will be threatened. It may also threaten the two-State solution and even the very existence of the Palestinian State. This situation needs more than before greater attention from the international community. It is my delegation’s fervent hope that the Council take immediate action to prevent this situation from further worsening and compel Israel to respect its international obligations under international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law. Mr. President, My delegation is deeply disturbed by the reported continued atrocities being committed by Israel towards the Palestinian people in the occupied territories. Violence can never provide a solution to conflict as it seriously undermines the prospects of peace. In our view, to abate this situation, ending the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory, including Jerusalem, and the Syrian Golan is a necessity and the only sustainable option. Israel must withdraw fully from Gaza and from the rest of the Occupies Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. This should include withdrawal from the land, sea and air, and be immediately followed by negotiations on the final status issue. However, its “unilateral disengagement” from Gaza should not be allowed to be used as pretext for its continued colonization of the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. In conclusion Mr. President, Indonesia remains fully committed to supporting the struggles of Palestine to achieve their inalienable rights and their aspirations to live in a secure and prosperous independent homeland. Thank you.
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