General Assembly Session 57 meeting 64

Mr. Kittikhoun (Laos)

Last Friday, when we began considering agenda item 35, entitled "Question of Palestine", we were celebrating the thirty-fifth anniversary of the struggle of the Palestinian people for their inalienable rights, primarily the right to self-determination and statehood. Today, we would like to join other Member States in reaffirming our unswerving support to and solidarity with the Palestinian people and wish them ultimate success in their just struggle.

We share the international community's deep concern that the prospects for the peace process in the Middle East remain grim. The invasion and re-occupation of the Palestinian territory launched by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) earlier this year brought the process to a complete halt. The new cycle of violence in the Middle East has not only plunged both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples into a horrific bloodbath, but has also undermined peace and stability in the region as a whole.

As a result, thousands of innocent civilians of Palestine and Israel have been killed and wounded, and a great deal of their properties have crumbled. Other inhumane measures and practices of the occupying Power have further added death and injury to the Palestinian people. The disturbing fact that the perpetrator continues to legitimize its military operation by claiming it as part of the international campaign against terrorism is another cause for widespread concern.

The Lao People's Democratic Republic opposes excessive and indiscriminate use of force and other vile actions against the Palestinian people. It also condemns any act of violence against Israeli civilians. We believe these acts will bring neither peace nor security to either people. Conversely, they would bring about only endless suffering and instability in the Middle East.

We, therefore, renew our call for complete and unconditional compliance with the ceasefire agreement of 17 October 2000 and all relevant United Nations resolutions. We likewise urge both parties to honour their commitment to a ceasefire and return to the negotiating table in order to find a political solution to their lingering and tragic conflict.

As a consistent backer of the Middle East peace process, the Lao People's Democratic Republic is of the view that only a politically negotiated solution acceptable to all parties, under international supervision, as well as the principle of sovereign equality, can bring an end to the conflict. Such a solution must be preceded by respect for the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, particularly the right to establish an independent and viable Palestinian State living side by side with Israel in peace and security, within internationally recognized borders, in accordance with United Nations resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2002) and, of course, the principle of land for peace.

We cannot but express our appreciation for the relentless efforts the international community has made in support of the war-stricken Palestinian people, especially in the field of humanitarian activity. Our commendations should also go to the relevant United Nations committees, in particular, the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, for their pro-active endeavours to advocate and advance the legitimate cause of the Palestinian people around the globe.

Yet, like other Member States, we remain extremely concerned about the ongoing tension in the occupied Palestinian territory and the Middle East and the deteriorating situation on the ground. We, therefore, strongly urge all the concerned parties to the conflict to exercise maximum restraint to halt the violence and bring the peace process back on track.

Our delegation also deems it more necessary than ever before for the world community to redouble its efforts towards that end. It is only by doing so that the spiral of carnage can be checked, a negotiated settlement eventually secured and genuine peace, stability and development brought about in the Middle East.

Mr. Al-Jomae (Saudi Arabia)

Although the past century has witnessed the great liquidation of colonialism, largely attributable to the role played by the United Nations in many regions of the world, the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories has continued to deteriorate, year after year, for the past 50 years.

Operations of bloody revenge between the Israelis and the Palestinians have continued until now, and at present the situation has reached such a dangerous level that it threatens regional and world peace. The Israeli Government's insistence on pursuing its colonialist settlement policies and its attendant use of excessive force in order to physically liquidate the Palestinians, their leaders and political activists, flies in the face of all divine laws and international law. This is a crime that cannot be ignored. Assassinations and extrajudicial executions have increased without punishment of the perpetrators. Vendettas and vengeance have abounded as a result of Israel's heinous deterrence policies.

Israeli policies have set the pattern for Israeli dealings with the Palestinians. The dangerous situation in the occupied Palestinian territories requires an immediate and urgent solution in order to end the cycle -- and the dangerous escalation -- of violence. The international community cannot continue to stand idly by and watch the situation in the Palestinian territories deteriorate. It is the duty of the United Nations to assume its full and immediate responsibilities -- by giving the Palestinian people immediate protection and by helping the two parties to control the situation and put an end to acts of provocation and destruction that have led to numerous deaths on both sides. Israel must halt its practice of aggression and comply with international and humanitarian laws.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia fully supports the efforts to achieve peace and put an end to the Israeli occupation of Arab territories and supports the implementation of the relevant international resolutions, notably Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) and the principle of land for peace. It calls on the international community to appeal to Israel to return immediately, responsibly and unequivocally to the peace process and the negotiating table and to respect international law. Arab leaders have stressed the fact that peace is a strategic option and a desired objective. The Arab initiative of the Beirut Arab Summit offers a just, comprehensive and peaceful resolution to the Arab-Israeli conflict, which will restore peace, security and stability to the region and to the world.

Mr. Mahendran (Sri Lanka)

I would like to convey through you, Sir, the thanks of my delegation to Ambassador Papa Louis Fall of Senegal, Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, for his introductory statement.

We acknowledge the work done by the Committee in its efforts to safeguard and promote the rights of the Palestinian people. We also appreciate the humanitarian work undertaken by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), often carrying out their functions under the extremely difficult conditions prevalent in the occupied territory.

The root cause of the Arab-Israeli conflict is the question of Palestine, and the main issue there continues to be the illegal occupation of the Palestinian territory. The Palestinian people have lived far too long under occupation and under conditions that are not in keeping with norms of international humanitarian law nor with the requirements of the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, which also applies to occupied territories.

The laws and regulations and the administrative measures that have been implemented in the occupied territories to achieve the objectives of the occupying Government affect important aspects of the lives of the Palestinian people. Implementation of such rigorous measures has created a tense situation and a sense of fear and hopelessness among the Palestinian people.

The escalation of violence, the loss of life on both sides, bombings in Israeli towns and the consequent military attacks on Palestinian areas and the destruction of property have all contributed to the further escalation of violence in the area.

The withdrawal of Israel from the occupied territory, respect for the right of all States to live in peace and security and the recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people are some of the principles essential to a lasting solution to the question of Palestine.

The position of my Government on the question of Palestine has remained unchanged over the years. The inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and their right to independent statehood must be respected. A solution to the question of Palestine should be achieved on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and other relevant resolutions. Such a solution should enable the two States, Israel and Palestine, to live side by side and recognize the right of all States in the region to live in peace within internationally accepted borders.

As we look back at the past year, the events that have taken place in the territory are most distressing. Although violence has continued, there have also been some significant developments in the direction of promoting the peace process. Among them are the adoption of Security Council resolution 1397 (2002) calling for two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side, within secure and recognized borders; the Arab Summit peace initiative; the peace efforts of the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations to end the violence and to bring the two sides back to the negotiating table; and greater attention paid to the need to address the question of security as well as issues pertaining to political economic and humanitarian aspects of the question of Palestine.

Violence and counter-violence have deeply affected the efforts of the international community to bring peace to the region. It is regrettable that the attempts by the international community to contain the violence, to stabilize the situation and to resolve the crisis situation have not had the desired results. It is our earnest hope that the international community will continue to be engaged in efforts to bring peace back to that troubled region.

Mr. Theron (Namibia)

On Friday, we appropriately observed the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. Although media coverage exposes very little of the tremendous suffering of the Palestinian people in recent times, the reports of the United Nations and international organizations contain sufficient information for us to understand how desperately the Palestinian people need our compassion and solidarity in this darkest hour.

The discussion of this agenda item also serves as a reminder that until a just, comprehensive and lasting settlement is reached, the question of Palestine remains the permanent responsibility of the United Nations. The draft resolutions before us serve the same purpose, and we hope they will receive the usual overwhelming support.

The Palestinian people are still deprived of their inalienable right to self-determination and the establishment of their own independent State. Those rights are entrenched in international law as well as in numerous General Assembly and Security Council resolutions, in particular resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2002). Those resolutions, as well as other agreements, should be fully implemented to ensure a just, lasting and comprehensive solution to the question of Palestine.

My delegation welcomes the report of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, which describes the tragic developments in occupied Palestinian territory and contains important conclusions and recommendations. The Committee, under the able leadership of Ambassador Papa Louis Fall of Senegal, continues to play an essential role in efforts towards a comprehensive settlement of the question of Palestine.

After recent positive developments in the peace process, especially those that took place between 1998 and 2000, the latest catastrophic situation in occupied Palestinian territory is a direct result of the visit of the then Israeli opposition leader to the Holy Site of Al-Haram Al-Sharif. Since then, the peace process has suffered great harm.

My delegation is deeply concerned about the extremely harsh and repressive measures being used by the occupying Power. They have profoundly negative effects on each and every aspect of Palestinian life, such as on health, education, freedom of movement and economic and social activities. More importantly, those measures constitute serious violations of the basic human rights of the Palestinian people, as well as grave breaches of international humanitarian law.

Early last month, in a report on the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, Amnesty International stated that some acts by the Israeli occupying forces amount to war crimes and grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention. Those crimes include atrocities such as unlawful killings, torture, wanton destruction of hundreds of homes -- sometimes with their residents still inside -- deportations, the blocking of ambulances and the denial of humanitarian assistance. It is incumbent upon the international community to ensure that those atrocities are stopped and that those responsible for them are held accountable.

My delegation deplores the ongoing attempts to destroy the Palestinian Authority, including the humiliation of President Arafat and the calls for his expulsion. It is clear that those acts are counter-productive to the peace process, as the very institutions with which a peace agreement should be reached are being undermined and left incapable of functioning. Peace will never be achieved through the mere use of force, or without a political agreement between the parties.

It is for that reason that my delegation appreciates the efforts by international actors such as the Quartet of international mediators and, in particular, the effort represented by the so-called road map. However, my delegation firmly believes that the correct approach to achieving peace must be comprehensive and must simultaneously deal with the political, economic and security dimensions, and include agreement on the final outcome from the very beginning. In cementing that process, the United Nations should retain its natural role through the adoption of appropriate resolutions in the Security Council.

In addition to showing solidarity, the international community should continue to assist the Palestinian people through the provision of economic, humanitarian and technical assistance during this critical period, to help alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people and to rebuild the Palestinian economy and infrastructure.

In conclusion, Namibia remains steadfast in its support for the Palestinian people in their quest for their inalienable rights, including the right to self-determination, and to establish their own independent State.

Mr. Al-Shamsi (United Arab Emirates)

I have the honour to make this statement on behalf of the Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates.

I would like to thank the President for his efforts in conducting the work of this session of the General Assembly. I would also like to express our gratitude to the Chairman and members of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for their valuable efforts to reveal the truth about the tragic situation prevailing in the occupied Palestinian territories. We also appreciate their efforts to explain to the international community the facts and the scope of the Palestinian question, as referred to in their comprehensive report containing important and valuable facts and information.

Today, the people of the world celebrate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. On this day 55 years ago, history started to record the events of the Palestinian catastrophe and is still doing so now. On 29 November 1947, the General Assembly adopted resolution 181 (II), which divided Palestine into two independent States: the State of Palestine and the State of Israel. However, the world has witnessed through past decades the establishment of one State only -- the State of Israel -- which was created and has been expanded through the use of military force, occupation and aggression. The Israeli State was built over the ruins of the Palestinian State that already existed and over the dead bodies of thousands of innocent Palestinians.

It is very sad to see that the international community has been a mere spectator during the commission of the longest and most horrible human crime, committed by the Israeli military forces against the people of a country, generation after generation. Throughout this time, the international community has taken no action to end the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories and the systematic destruction and genocide committed by the Israeli Government and its military forces against the Palestinian people and their historic, religious and cultural heritage. No action has been taken, either, by the influential bodies of the United Nations to help the Palestinian people exercise their rights or to end Israel's illegitimate policy of expansion and settlement, which is based on such false justifications as Israeli security and religious and historical rights, in full disdain of relevant United Nations resolutions and international agreements.

The ongoing Israeli occupation of the Palestinian and Arab territories since 1967 has placed the Middle East on the verge of a dangerous explosion that threatens international peace and security and has become a source of grave concern. Israeli policies of aggression and expansion, its violations of human rights and its brutal crimes against the Arab population in the occupied territories have led to the outbreak of violence in the region more than once. The latest such eruption has been the bloody events that began in the occupied Palestinian territories in September 2000 and continue to this day, resulting in the killing of more than 2,000 civilians, most of them children; the injuring and disabling of tens of thousands; the demolition of hundreds of houses, the displacement of thousands of civilians and the massive destruction of the Palestinian economy.

The United Arab Emirates reaffirms in this forum its continued material and moral support for the brotherly Palestinian people in their just struggle to attain their legitimate right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent State, Palestine, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. In this connection, the United Arab Emirates reiterates its condemnation of the Israeli occupation of the Arab territories and the war crimes committed by its military troops against civilians. It also confirms that the Palestinian question remains the core and the essence of the Middle East conflict.

It also reaffirms its conviction that, in order to achieve a comprehensive, lasting, just and peaceful settlement of this question, the international community must take collective, effective steps to condemn the occupation, State terrorism and war crimes practised by the Israeli Government and its military apparatus, the systematic killing of civilians, arbitrary detentions and torture in prisons, the destruction of the institutions of the Palestinian Authority and the attacks and reoccupation of Palestinian cities and refugees camps. It must condemn and reject all procedures and illegal measures taken by the Israeli Government to build settlements and to change the historical, legal and demographic characters of Palestinian and Arab territories and cities under its occupation, in particular the city of Al-Quds Al-Sharif and the Arab Golan, with the aim of imposing its laws and jurisdiction over these lands and of judaizing them and negating their Arab identity.

The international community must also affirm the importance of the role of the United Nations, especially the Security Council, and of the other members of the Quartet in following up the implementation of legal international resolutions, especially those compelling Israel, the occupying Power, to cease immediately all its acts of aggression against and massacres of Palestinian civilians, their cities and properties. Measures should also be taken to provide international protection for the Palestinian people in accordance with the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949. It must compel Israel to abide by all the legal obligations stipulated in the series of peace agreements concluded with the Palestinian side and to withdraw from all Arab territories occupied since 1967, including Al-Quds, the Syrian Golan Heights and the Lebanese Sheba'a farms, in accordance with the principle of land for peace and the relevant United Nations resolutions, especially General Assembly resolution 181 (II) and Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2002). These bases were all affirmed by the Arab peace initiative and the American road map and guarantee the exercise by the Palestinian people of their inalienable rights, including their right to self-determination and to establish their State, Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital and with complete sovereignty over their land, air, regional waters and all natural resources.

The international community must further reaffirm the principles for solving the problem of the return of refugees to their stolen lands, in accordance with General Assembly resolution 194 (III), and hold Israel fully responsible for the adverse repercussions and consequences of its aggression, including compensation for the financial loses incurred in the infrastructure of the Palestinian cities, villages, camps, properties, institutions, as well as the national economy, and for bringing those responsible for war crimes to justice. It must also demand that Israel immediately free all Palestinian and Lebanese prisoners held hostage in Israeli detention camps and prisons and enable humanitarian organizations to visit them and investigate their situation.

Finally, the international community must pressure Israel to eliminate its weapons of mass destructions, especially its nuclear weapons, and to subject its nuclear reactors to the safeguards regime of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in implementation of the relevant international treaties and conventions, in order to achieve a military and security balance in the region.

In conclusion, the United Arab Emirates -- which has committed itself, its Government and its people to solidarity with and support for the Palestinian people in their struggle to attain their freedom, liberate their land from Israeli occupation and oppression and recover their legitimate national rights -- expresses its support for a comprehensive, peaceful and just settlement of the Palestinian question and the situation in the Middle East in the framework of impartial international efforts. It also deplores any attempt to defame the image of the Palestinian and Arab struggle for freedom and to associate it with terrorism in justification of the policies of Israel aggression and oppression. The United Arab Emirates wishes to reiterate that the courageous Palestinian intifada arose in response to State terrorism and to the policy of occupation practised by Israel over the past decades. Accordingly, the United Arab Emirates calls on the international community, especially influential members of the Security Council, to exercise their full authority to put an end to the massacres and the destruction perpetrated against the Palestinian people and to strengthen political, development and relief assistance to support them in their fight for freedom and independence. We call on the international community to exert pressure on Israel to accept a peaceful settlement and return to negotiations based on international law, to stop the bloodshed and to maintain security, stability and peace in the Middle East and international peace and security.

Mr. Mejdoub (Tunisia)

While the General Assembly has been examining the Palestinian question this year, the explosive security and economic situation in the region has been dangerously deteriorating to an unprecedented degree, with catastrophic humanitarian conditions and a total halt to the peace process. This tragic situation, which worsens day by day, results from Israeli practices that target the Palestinian people and its leadership.

Israel continues its aggressive policies against the defenceless Palestinian people. It persists in the excessive and disproportionate use of military force against civilians, as well as in its systematic recourse to sieges, raids, destruction of property, desecration of holy places, isolation of Palestinian towns and cities and starvation of the Palestinian civil population. And when there is nothing left to destroy, the occupation army has opted for mass arrests and assassinations of leaders of the Palestinian authority, going even so far as to target members of the United Nations relief personnel, as happened recently.

The situation in the Palestinian territories is so alarming that it foretells a grave humanitarian catastrophe resulting from a combination of economic siege, the spread of epidemics and disease and the degradation of health and security infrastructure. Despite the international community's repeated calls for peace in the Middle East, the Palestinians continue to suffer daily the worst forms of violence perpetrated by the Israeli occupying force in flagrant violation of the most basic principles of international humanitarian law. Furthermore, in total disregard of successive Security Council resolutions, Israel persists in its repressive policies, ignoring all international conventions and shirking agreements it has entered into.

In fact, these Israeli practices aimed at consecrating the fait accompli of occupation, are in total violation of international law, particularly humanitarian law, and most of all, the 1949 fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War.

This situation is likely to continue as long as there is no comprehensive solution to the causes of tension and hostility, namely the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories.

Tunisia, which follows with deep concern the deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, reaffirms its condemnation of Israeli aggression against innocent Palestinian civilians and of the endless series of political assassinations committed by the Israeli Defense Forces. Tunisia will continue its strong and unflinching support to the Palestinian people in their struggle to restore their legitimate rights, including the right to establish its own independent State on its national soil, with Al Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Faced with this delicate situation, Tunisia calls on the Security Council to play an effective role to ensure protection for the unarmed Palestinian people, and reiterates, in this context, its call for international observers to be sent to the region, as proposed by President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali at the Cairo Summit of the League of Arab States in 1998. Tunisia has played an active part in all the phases of the peace process in the Middle East and contributed to efforts aimed at establishing peace based on agreements, namely, the principle of land for peace and respect for all commitments.

Faced with the immobility of the peace process and the declaration of the Israeli Prime Minister that his country is no longer bound by any agreements with the Palestinians, including the Oslo accords, it has become perfectly clear that it is the Israeli Government that is neglecting its commitments and reneging on the accords that it has signed, thus endangering the whole region. Israel's further denial of international agreements constitutes a real cause for concern that should prompt the two sponsors of the peace process, as well as the European Union and the entire international community, to increase their efforts in urging Israel to choose the path of peace, halt its manoeuvres, practices and provocations and respect international law, notably Security Council's resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973).

The establishment of a just and lasting peace in the region requires Israel's total and unconditional withdrawal from the Syrian Golan and from the rest of the occupied Lebanese territory, in conformity with the relevant and references.

Arab leaders have shown a unanimous will for peace by adopting, at the Beirut Summit of the League of Arab States last March, the Arab peace initiative presented by Prince Abdallah Bin Abdulaziz. This would lead to the signing of a peace agreement through which Israel would totally withdraw from the occupied Arab territories in exchange for the establishment of normal relations between the Arab States and Israel. Unfortunately, the dire events and developments that have taken place in the region do not point in this direction.

At another level, Tunisia strongly supports the vision presented by the President of the United States, George Bush, calling for the establishment of a Palestinian State, in accordance with relevant resolutions of the Security Council. We hope that that vision will be translated into concrete action as soon as possible.

Tunisia also welcomes the Quartet's efforts to re-launch the peace process. We are convinced that if the four members of the Quartet unite their efforts and coordinate their actions they will play a decisive role in reaching a final settlement for the Palestinian question.

The peace talks that took place in the spring and summer of 2000 and that achieved considerable rapprochement between the points of view of the parties, proved that a just and final settlement of the conflict is possible if there is sufficient political will.

The continuous cycle of violence in the occupied Palestinian territories will come to an end only if there is a political peace process that involves all parties. The Israeli Government should realize that military force and excessive violence will never guarantee peace and stability for the Israeli people and that there is no alternative to returning to the negotiating table in an engaged and responsible way in order to revive the peace process, stop bloodshed and ensure the stability of the Middle Eastern region.

Mr. Aldouri (Iraq)

My statement will address agenda item 35, entitled "Question of Palestine", and agenda item 36, entitled "Situation in the Middle East".

At the outset, I would like to confirm the solidarity of the people and Government of Iraq with the Palestinian people in their just struggle to liberate their land from the terrible Zionist occupation. Today, we will all recall that, despite decades of suffering, the Palestinian people have not yet been able to exercise their basic rights -- namely the right to independence and self-determination.

This year the General Assembly is discussing both agenda items, the question of Palestine and the situation in the Middle East, at an extremely difficult time characterized by an increase in criminal operations by the Zionist entity against the Palestinian people, as well as by its continued threats against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, the occupation of the Lebanese Sheba'a farms and of the Syrian Arab Golan.

My delegation has taken note of the report of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (A/57/35). While we express our appreciation for the great efforts made in preparing that report, we wish that it had reflected in a more concentrated and accurate manner what was really happening in occupied Palestine, especially since the whole world knows the daily detail of the horrifying acts being committed by the Zionist entity against the defenceless Palestinian people.

Over the past 50 years, the people of Palestine have been exposed to horrendous, merciless acts by the occupying Zionist entity, which has uprooted them from their land and denied them their rights. We all know that there are millions of Palestinians who have been living in refugee camps for the past 50 years in the diaspora, having been denied their basic right to return to their homeland. There has been unprecedented violence in the past two years, due to the extensive use of heavy weapons against the defenceless Palestinian people, including the use of F-16s and American-made Apache helicopters and the use of enriched uranium equipment and destructive fissile material in areas densely populated by civilians.

That has led to the death of thousands and the wounding of tens of thousands of Palestinians. It has also led to the destruction of many homes, leaving families homeless. The occupation forces have intentionally destroyed houses and farms, tightened the blockade of cities and villages, transforming them into small cantons, separated from each other, and destroyed the economic infrastructure. The Zionist occupation forces have led assassination campaigns against the symbols of the legitimate Palestinian resistance. People have been detained and tortured. Families have been forcibly deported to other areas, and Palestinian civilians have been used as human shields during inspection operations and the incursion into cities. That has been achieved through the Israeli practice of using neighbours as inspectors.

As if that were not enough, the occupation forces have built a security wall that extends deep inside the Palestinian territory under the pretext of protecting settlements, which in reality is a flagrant attempt at annexing more West Bank land to the usurping Zionist entity. The occupying Power has also resorted to destroying institutions in order to eliminate the Palestinian Authority or perhaps to weaken it so it will respond favourably to its demands of dividing the Palestinian people, creating dissension and causing civil war among them.

The policy of the Zionist entity of usurping Palestinian and other Arab lands since 1948 and 1967 has become identical to the policy of the United States of blocking all resolutions adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council on the question of Palestine.

This has been done with total disregard for public opinion and for States' positions on the aggressiveness of the Zionist entity and on the massacres perpetrated daily by its forces against the Palestinian people, whose only sin is that they have rejected occupation and use resistance as a means of liberation.

The American Administration has given its blessing to the Zionist campaign of terror against the Palestinian people. It has even described Sharon as a man of peace and has stated that the Zionist entity had the right to defend itself -- an entity that occupies Arab lands, assassinates civilians and demolishes houses. Thus the American Administration equates the struggle of the Palestinian people to regain their land with the actions of the Zionist entity and its policy of State terrorism and barbarous practices.

We call on the General Assembly, in the light of all the crimes being perpetrated against the Palestinians, to bring pressure to bear on this criminal entity, in order to put an end to its grave violations of the principles of international law and of international humanitarian law, in particular of the Fourth Geneva Convention and of the Charter of the United Nations.

The Zionist entity has refused to withdraw from the occupied Syrian Golan since 1967, in violation of all relevant Security Council and General Assembly resolutions. In addition to its occupation, it has enacted legislation, taken various measures and used different methods to steal land. It has used all the resources at its disposal to build more settlements and to bring in more settlers. It has attempted to destroy civilian areas, to take control of water resources, and to destroy agricultural land and animal life that belongs to the inhabitants of the Syrian Golan.

Lebanon also has been suffering from daily Israeli violations of its sovereignty, characterized by aggression against its airspace and land and daily threats of using military force against it and of cutting off its water supplies. We strongly support the legitimate Lebanese right to sovereignty over all of its land and airspace. The General Assembly, which has always supported the just struggle of the Palestinian people and their inalienable right to self-determination, must effectively shoulder its responsibility to bring justice to the Palestinian people by taking steps to end the occupation, so that they can regain their inalienable rights.

Israeli officials should be brought to justice before international criminal courts. Not to do so would be tantamount to destroying established international laws and principles -- a destructive outcome that would affect the whole world. It is not enough for the General Assembly to show sympathy for the Palestinians, to adopt resolutions, whenever it can, or to condemn the Zionist entity. Rather, we call on the Security Council to shoulder its legal and moral responsibility to defend the rights of the Palestinian people, since the peace process has been unable to restore peace and security to the Palestinian people.

Mr. Gopinathan (India)

The observance of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on 29 November provided the international community with an opportunity to reiterate its steadfast support for the realization of the cherished goals and aspirations of the people of Palestine. India reaffirms its solidarity with the people of Palestine, who have striven valiantly for decades for the restoration of their legitimate rights. India's bond of friendship with the Palestinian people is firm and unshakeable and is based on a rich and varied interaction over the ages.

India's support for the Palestinian cause is based on principles; it is consistent and unwavering. We are committed to a just, comprehensive and durable peace in the region, based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2002) and on the principle of land for peace. We support the inalienable and legitimate right of the Palestinian people to a homeland, as well the right of all States of the region, including Israel and Palestine, to co-exist peacefully within secure and recognized borders.

We would recall our earlier statements, in which we had emphasised that President Arafat, who enjoys wide support and respect, is the symbol of Palestinian nationhood. We remain convinced that the Palestinian people stand on the threshold of a new era wherein their national aspirations, for which they have so long struggled, can be realized. We remain vitally interested in peace, development and stability in the region and are ready to assist in whatever way we can.

The tragic cycle of violence that has engulfed the Middle East region since September 2000 has been damaging to peace and stability. It is a source of deep concern to all of us. This violence has led to the tragic loss of hundreds of lives and grievous injuries to thousands. We condemn such acts. As recent events have demonstrated, these have neither enhanced Israel's security nor served the cause of peace. If anything, such acts have only created more impediments to the collective quest for a lasting peace in the Middle East.

The continued military operations by Israel and its acts of retaliatory violence serve no purpose except causing loss of life, mostly that of innocent civilians, including women and children, and making the divide between the peoples of Palestine and Israel even sharper. Immediate cessation of military operations, withdrawal by Israel and a ceasefire are therefore the most urgent steps. These brook no delay, as the price is being paid by the innocent on both sides, quite needlessly.

The extent of the continuing humanitarian crisis in the West Bank and Gaza has been highlighted by the Secretary-General's Personal Humanitarian Envoy, Mrs. Catherine Bertini, who visited the region last August and, more recently, by the release of the report of the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process on the impact of closure and other mobility restrictions on Palestinian productive activities.

The report shows that the Palestinian economy is in a severe depression, with only international aid stemming a possible total breakdown. According to the report, unemployment in the occupied territories is around 50 per cent, poverty levels have reached 70 per cent in Gaza and 55 per cent in the West Bank, while income losses are estimated at $7.6 million a day -- a total loss of $3.3 billion since October 2000. The Secretary-General has reported that, despite high-level Israeli assurances of increased cooperation with the aid agencies, there have been only marginal improvements on the ground.

We urge the Government of Israel to do all that is possible to alleviate the social and economic plight of the Palestinian population by lifting closures and blockades, by allowing unhindered access to humanitarian supplies and by releasing the balance of the funds due to the Palestinian Authority.

There is a general recognition that there is a need not only for political support for the peace process, but also to focus on the multifaceted tasks of nation-building. The efforts of the Palestinian Authority, particularly in the fields of health, education and the creation of employment, need to be encouraged and assisted. Infrastructural development is an area of critical importance. The challenge posed by the present requirements of financial and technological support merits the urgent attention of the international community. Regional cooperation, complemented by international efforts, is an essential prerequisite for enhancing peace and prosperity in the region.

India congratulates the Palestinian Legislative Council for approving the new Cabinet appointed by President Arafat. We also applaud the decision made by the Palestinian Authority to initiate a process of reforms intended to benefit the Palestinian people. We see this as an important step in the process of nation-building.

India remains ready to engage with the Palestinian National Authority and the Palestinian people in their reconstruction efforts in Gaza and the West Bank. Two India-aided projects in Gaza -- the Jawaharlal Nehru Library at Al-Azhar University and the Mahatma Gandhi Library and Student Activity Centre at the Palestine Technical College in Deir al-Balah -- have been completed. India has sent medical supplies for use in hospitals in the West Bank and Gaza. The Government of India has a substantial ongoing programme for human resource development for the Palestinian National Authority. We are ready to do more.

While it is incumbent on all of us to work together to advance the peace process in West Asia, ultimately it is the parties themselves that have to shoulder the major responsibility for achieving a permanent and lasting solution. A spirit of accommodation and political will must imbue the negotiation process. The parties must harness all their energies to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, which is a vital mutual interest.

Mr. Talbot (Guyana)

Throughout the three and-a-half decades of its existence as an independent State, Guyana has stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people in their struggle for the exercise of their inalienable rights, including the right to self-determination and to a homeland of their own. Today, we once again join the international community in solidarity with this cause.

The question of Palestine has occupied -- nay, troubled -- this Organization since its very beginnings. It is a question that continues to defy solution and final settlement, despite the many efforts of the international community. The hope for such a settlement, sparked in Oslo early in the last decade, has all but vanished in the violence and terror that has engulfed the region over the past two years. We continue to be dismayed at the untold suffering brought about by the conflict and call for an end to the Israeli occupation, which is at the heart of this human tragedy. It is unacceptable that in this era of democratization, a population of nearly 4 million is still without a land of its own and condemned to live in refugee camps, often in sub-human conditions. Their uncertain situation can only breed discontent and despair, leading inevitably to further conflict.

While Palestinians by the thousands continue to pay the ultimate price for their liberation, we are not unmindful of the fact that Israelis are also paying with their lives as a result of a conflict that, seemingly, is in no one's best interest. It must surely be painfully obvious to all concerned that the way of violence will not lead to peace. The cycle of violence and retaliation must therefore end. We urge restraint on all sides and condemn all forms of terrorism. At the same time, we call upon Israel, as the occupying Power, to desist from using extremist acts as a pretext to deny the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people, and to honour its obligations to peace, in keeping with relevant United Nations resolutions.

Notwithstanding the despair that has prevailed over much of the past year, it is still possible to discern an occasional glimmer of hope that leads us to the belief that the Palestinian problem, like seemingly intractable problems elsewhere, can be resolved. On 12 March this year, the Security Council adopted resolution 1397 (2002), in which, for the first time, it affirmed a vision of a region where two States, Israel and Palestine, live side by side within secure and recognized borders. This vision will be translated into reality for the parties concerned only if there is bold and strong leadership on both sides willing to grasp the opportunities that arise. Equally important will be popular support for reason over irrationality to promote a new spirit of mutual tolerance and trust.

The Government of Guyana believes that the various resolutions that have been adopted by the General Assembly and the Security Council with regard to the Palestinian question, as well as the accords that have been reached directly by the parties themselves, provide an ample framework to guide the search for a settlement. In seeking to foster a culture of peace, based on respect for human rights, tolerance, participation and solidarity, we call on the parties involved to eschew further confrontation and to return to the negotiating table with a view to bridging the gulf that separates them.

We also welcome and encourage further efforts by the international community, including those of the diplomatic Quartet and the Arab peace initiative adopted at Beirut last March. We further commend the efforts of countries in the region and beyond that have supported the peace process, as well as provided succour to the Palestinian people, including through humanitarian, economic and other forms of assistance. Special mention must also be made of the contribution of United Nations agencies, such as the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East and others that labour tirelessly to ease the suffering of the Palestinian people.

In conclusion, let me say that Guyana will continue to work with the international community in the cause of peace and justice in the Middle East. We look forward earnestly to the emergence of a just, comprehensive and lasting solution that would mark the end of conflict and suffering and the beginning of a new dawn of peaceful coexistence and cooperation for the peoples of the region.

Mr. Al-Saidi (Yemen)

A problem occurred in a Python script. Here is the sequence of function calls leading up to the error, in the order they occurred.

<type 'exceptions.UnicodeEncodeError'>: 'ascii' codec can't encode character u'\xe0' in position 5640: ordinal not in range(128)
      args = ('ascii', u'\n\t<p id="pg011-bk01-pa01">The General Assembly i...ion of occupation and colonialism in our era.</p>', 5640, 5641, 'ordinal not in range(128)')
      encoding = 'ascii'
      end = 5641
      message = ''
      object = u'\n\t<p id="pg011-bk01-pa01">The General Assembly i...ion of occupation and colonialism in our era.</p>'
      reason = 'ordinal not in range(128)'
      start = 5640