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Statement New York, 4 October 2000
Mr. President, My delegation should like to begin by extending its congratulations to you on your assumption of the presidency at a time when the Council has been convened to consider an issue of critical importance to the international community. This emergency meeting has been called to address a rapidly deteriorating situation in the occupied territories, including Al-Quds Al-Sharif. My delegation can not but express its profound concern at the aggression of Israel against unarmed Palestinian civilians, resulting in scores of deaths and injuries. Such brutal tactics justifiably deserves global condemnation and we therefore call upon Israel to immediately cease the incessant violence and bloodshed. Tragically, it is the women, children and elderly who bear the brunt of excessive lethal force. No longer can the international community sit idly by while a defenseless people are mercilessly attacked by military forces. Ever since the peace process began in 1991, the Palestinian people have been subjected to procrastinations, unkept promises and even out right intransigence. The stalled peace process had already heightened tension in the territories as frustration and bitterness began to replace hope and optimism, particularly over the status of Al-Quds Al-Sharif. Thus, the blatant provocative act of Mr. Ariel Sharon by visiting Al-Haram Al-Sharif constitutes a deliberate and intentional act to incite violence and thereby cause loss of innocent life and material devastation. Undeniably, there are some elements in Israel who are intent on disrupting the peace process as they willfully disregard the ramifications of their actions. We were even more appalled that despite the efforts of the Palestinian leaders to enter into a ceasefire agreement, the violence continued unabated as the situation worsened. It is therefore incumbent on the Occupying Power to exercise restraint and abide by the duties and obligations as called for under the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. In this regard, every support should be extended to ensure the implementation of those measures. The compelling question here is the protection of civilians under occupation. Only through such materialization can the situation return to some form of normalcy while they await the end of foreign occupation. The fact that the Council has dealt with this conflict for so long makes it incumbent to shoulder its responsibilities towards the implementation of the resolution before it. In this context, the Council should proceed forthwith on the implementation of the provisions of the resolution. For failure on the part of the Council to act in light of the increasing number of casualties, would cast doubts about its credibility and indeed moral stature to take action particularly when it has condemned instances of lesser magnitude. Mr. President, The use of military might can never detract from the historical and indisputable fact that Al-Haram Al-Sharif is an integral part of the occupied Palestinian territory and reiterated, as such in numerous General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. It therefore behoves on Israel to refrain from using force in the future which will only further complicate an already volatile situation on the ground. Somber developments over the past few days show us how fragile peace can be and how essential it is to achieve a comprehensive peace, one that should be based on the implementation of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and on the principle of land for peace. Provocative acts and the perpetration of brute force against a nation and its people makes it increasingly difficult to convince them that Israel is truly committed to take the path towards peace. Far more is needed that mere rhetoric of words without follow-up concrete action to implement peace agreements already entered into, the lack of which can have dire consequences for security in the occupied territories, the region and beyond. At this critical juncture as the specter of violence looms, Mr. President, there can be no other alternative but for Israel to assume its solemn obligations and pursue in all earnest the peace negotiations. The violent incidents that we have borne witness to is reminiscent of past strife and would serve the international community well to come to the realization that the patience of a people will only endure for so long. This is a time to strike out for real and bold peace with the valiant Palestinians. It is therefore our fervent hope that the ongoing talks in Paris and later in Cairo will result in ending the conflict and lead to the resumption of peace talks. In order for this millennium to make a truly auspicious beginning, we should exert every effort for the Palestinian people to regain their sovereign national rights in an independent homeland of their own. Only then, can it be said that a just and comprehensive peace has been attained in the Middle East. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
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