General Assembly Session 59 meeting 62

The Acting President

In its report, the General Committee recommends to the General Assembly that an additional sub-item, entitled "Rendering assistance to the poor mountain countries to overcome obstacles in socio-economic and ecological areas" be included in the agenda of the current session as a sub-item of agenda item 85, entitled "Sustainable development", under heading B, "Promotion of sustained economic growth and sustainable development in accordance with the resolutions of the General Assembly and recent United Nations conferences".

May I take it that the General Assembly decides to include this additional sub-item in the agenda of the current session as a sub-item of agenda item 85 under heading B?

The Acting President

The General Committee further recommends that the additional sub-item be allocated to the Second Committee. May I take it that the General Assembly decides to allocate the additional sub-item to the Second Committee?

The Acting President

I should like to inform members that the new sub-item, entitled "Rendering assistance to the poor mountain countries to overcome obstacles in socio-economic and ecological areas", become sub-item (h) of agenda item 85 on the agenda of the current session.

The Chairman of the Second Committee will be informed of the decision just taken by the General Assembly.

The General Assembly has thus concluded its consideration of the fifth report of the General Committee.

Mr. Haraguchi (Japan)

At the outset, I would like to express my heartfelt condolences on the passing of Mr. Yasser Arafat to his bereaved family, the Palestinian people, the Palestinian National Authority and the Palestine Liberation Organization. Mr. Arafat, hoping to realize peace in the Middle East, concluded the historic Oslo Accords with Israel in 1993, was elected President of the Palestinian Interim Authority by a direct ballot of the Palestinian people and played a leading role towards building a Palestinian State. I sincerely hope that Palestinians will soon overcome their sorrow and be united in continuing to strive for the establishment of an independent State of Palestine, coexisting in peace with Israel.

The passing of Mr. Arafat has unexpectedly brought us to a turning point in the Middle East peace process. The international community must seize this opportunity and make every effort to revitalize the road map and move the peace process forward in accordance with it. Without a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, there will be no peace or stability in the Middle East region as a whole. In trying to cope with the new situation brought about by the passing of Mr. Arafat, we must reconfirm such recognition as a starting point for our future efforts.

In our view, the most important challenge at this juncture is to ensure the successful election of the President of the Palestinian Authority. From this viewpoint, it is crucial that both the Israeli Government and the Palestinian Authority cooperate in working towards a successful outcome of the election, and we welcome the ongoing consultations between the two parties for such cooperation. Japan, too, intends to make a meaningful contribution towards the success of the process.

Needless to say, in order to achieve peace in the region it is vitally important that the new Palestinian leadership, committed to the promotion of peace, be elected with the widest support possible from the Palestinians, and that it establish a responsible governing structure. The Palestinian side must take effective measures to control extremists. Israel must also cooperate in that joint endeavour, because it is necessary to resolve, in an appropriate manner, such issues as participation in the voting by Palestinians in East Jerusalem and the lifting of restrictions on freedom of movement.

Following the Palestinian presidential election, Israel's disengagement from Gaza and the northern West Bank is expected to be the next major task. We welcome Israel's disengagement initiative because, if it is implemented in conformity with the road map, we believe that it will contribute significantly to the revitalization of the road map. The withdrawal must be carried out in close coordination with the Palestinian side. I wish to urge our Israeli friends to give serious consideration to these points.

We believe that the peaceful coexistence of two States, Israel and Palestine, is the only sustainable solution to the conflict. Based upon this belief, Japan has been making contributing to the Middle East peace process in both the economic and the political spheres.

In the political sphere, Japan has been encouraging the parties concerned, through a variety of channels, to take positive steps to promote the peace process. Moreover, from January next year, as a non-permanent member of the Security Council, we will actively engage in discussions in the Council on peace in the Middle East.

In the economic sphere, since the Oslo Accords of 1993, Japan has been providing assistance to the Palestinians, amounting to nearly $700 million in support of their efforts to establish the independent State of Palestine. In recent years our assistance has been centred on three pillars: response to humanitarian needs, reform and confidence-building. Now that we are entering a new phase, Japan will extend further support for the efforts towards peace undertaken by both parties.

Japan enjoys an extremely good relationship with both Israel and Palestine. I wish to conclude my statement by reiterating that Japan is always ready and willing to listen in earnest to the views of its friends.

Mr. Hachani (Tunisia)

The General Assembly's annual consideration of the question of Palestine is a situation that we have seen for about half a century, but these are especially sad circumstances because of the passing of the historic leader of the Palestinian people and symbol of their long struggle, Chairman Yasser Arafat. My country wishes to convey its great sympathy with the fraternal people of Palestine, and we join in the condolences expressed by the General Assembly at this time.

Furthermore, we reaffirm the importance of the elections that the Palestinian Authority is preparing to hold and we call upon the international community to help the Palestinian Authority in that endeavour. We call upon the Government of Israel not to hamper the Palestinian elections and to remove all restrictions and obstacles, so that all Palestinians, including those who live in East Jerusalem, can elect their new President in full freedom.

This is the fourth consecutive year that the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories has continued to worsen and deteriorate because of oppressive Israeli practices against the Palestinian people and their leadership. On an almost daily basis, arbitrary assassinations and detentions occur; houses are being destroyed; lands are being razed; the settlement policy continues; the separation wall continues to be built deep in Palestinian territories, notwithstanding the international condemnation of the scale of the wall, and notwithstanding the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice, which stated that the wall was illegal and must be dismantled.

There is no doubt that Israeli practices clearly violate international humanitarian law, in particular the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. These practices have proven futile, because true peace cannot be attained by erecting psychological and material obstacles or by excessive resort to the military machine against civilians, but through serious, responsible political will and the choice of peace that the Middle East region has been looking forward to for so long.

Furthermore, this cycle of violence will continue unless there is a political will on both sides to achieve peace. In this context, Tunisia, through our President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali, reiterates, on this International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, its call to the international community quickly and effectively to intervene and protect the Palestinian people and to urge Israel to put an end to these practices against the Palestinian people and to end unilateral measures against them.

Tunisia is now the Chairman of the Arab Summit and we have sought to coordinate work and to consult with all parties in order to act on the Tunis Summit resolutions, to reaffirm peace as a strategic choice, and to express our solidarity with the fraternal Palestinian people, by supporting their struggle for their legitimate rights, and to enable them to find a comprehensive, lasting and just solution to the question of the Middle East.

Tunisia is committed to continue efforts aimed at resuming negotiations pursuant to the relevant international resolutions and to the road map. Accordingly, we call upon the Quartet to focus its efforts on that goal. A return to the logic of peace, recognition of the national rights of the Palestinian people and the finding of a just solution on all tracks will ensure coexistence among all peoples of the region in peace, stability and concord. This would make it possible for them to focus on building and reconstruction in order to achieve progress and prosperity for all.

The United Nations, and in particular the General Assembly, has an ongoing responsibility to the Palestinian people that it must continue to shoulder because the United Nations is the guarantor and protector of international law when it comes to the question of Palestine and the Middle East in general. This is a political role that must continue to be played in order to achieve a final just solution to this question and to establish an independent Palestinian State with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

The United Nations has another distinct role that should be furthered and supported, which is the promotion and development of international financial resources in order to assist the Palestinian people economically, by guaranteeing the participation of United Nations bodies in coordinating this assistance. Economic and social development in the occupied Palestinian territories is an important element and could help to restore peace if enhanced.

I would like to express the appreciation of Tunisia for the valuable efforts made by the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People to help give effect to those rights and for its support of the Palestinian people and the causes of justice and peace.

A comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East region requires that Israel withdraw completely and unconditionally from the occupied Syrian Golan and from remaining occupied Lebanese land in compliance with relevant resolutions and terms of reference. It is important for the international community to learn a lesson from the past decade so that it can deal with the factors and obstacles that in the past have caused problems in the peace process, and that would contribute to creating suitable circumstances for successful negotiations.

Finally, I can only reiterate the appreciation of the Tunisian Government for the ongoing efforts made by the United Nations through its various bodies under the leadership of the Secretary-General, so that it can play an active role in dealing with the question of the Middle East and the Arab-Israeli conflict. Those who support this process want to eliminate endemic conflict, the source of tension in the world and in the Middle East region in particular.

Mr. Vixay (Laos)

At the outset, on behalf of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, I would like to express our appreciation to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for its report A/59/35, which provides useful recommendations for the solution to the question of Palestine.

Many decades have passed, but the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, does not seem to be improving. As reflected in the report, violence continues unabated, causing great suffering to and taking the lives of the people in the region. It is regrettable that the international community's earnest hopes for, and attempts to bring, peace and stability to the region have not yet materialized. Many Security Council resolutions have been adopted, a summit was held, and recently a Quartet road map was introduced, all without producing any tangible results.

In that regard, we urge the parties concerned to stop the violence and all acts that could increase the tension. Both sides need to exercise maximum restraint and resume negotiations as preconditions leading to the implementation of the Quartet road map as well as of the relevant Security Council resolutions and the principle of land for peace.

It is also regrettable to note that there is now a critical deadlock in the peace process. In order to help break this impasse and to end the violence before it spreads further, the best course of action, in our opinion, is to help the interested parties to move towards a final and peaceful agreement.

In that regard, we renew our call on the international community, especially to the Quartet, to continue making political and diplomatic efforts that would support and promote negotiations between Israel and Palestine, with the aim of finding a final, peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Peace and stability in the Middle East are not likely to be achieved unless the Palestinian issues are resolved in a just and reasonable manner. In that context, the Lao People's Democratic Republic reaffirms its unwavering support for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination, including the right to an independent State of Palestine. We therefore urge the parties concerned to engage in serious dialogue, settle the conflict and realize the vision of two States, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace within secure and internationally recognized borders.

Reaching the light of peace at the end of the tunnel is not an easy task, as a multitude of obstacles are blocking the way. However, that should not prevent us from reaching our destination if we firmly carry on with our concerted efforts. We also believe that it is dialogue, rather than confrontation, that will bring sustainable peace and security to all peoples throughout the world. The question of Palestine can be resolved only by peaceful means, in accordance with the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations.

Mr. Moleko (Lesotho)

Let me begin by expressing our deep sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the Palestinian people, who are still mourning the death of President Yasser Arafat.

As we commemorate the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Lesotho wishes to reiterate its solidarity with the people of Palestine and its support for their inalienable rights.

My delegation thanks the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report. Our congratulations go also to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for its enlightening report and insightful recommendations.

In my delegation's view, all parties to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have to adhere to the principles of international law. In that regard, we recall the advisory opinion rendered by the International Court of Justice on 9 July 2004 on the legal consequences of the construction of a wall in the occupied Palestinian territories, and the Court's conclusion that the construction of the wall built by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory, including in and around East Jerusalem, and its associated regime was contrary to international law. We therefore urge all parties to the conflict and other stakeholders to implement the relevant resolution which was adopted by the resumed tenth emergency special session of the General Assembly on 20 July 2004.

Let me take this opportunity to point out that, in this conflict, it is lack of respect for international law, including international humanitarian law, that has been the driving force behind the continuing high levels of violence, which severely affect unarmed civilians, particularly women and children.

For the Palestinian people, the struggle for self-determination, national independence and sovereignty has been ongoing for far too long, and the cost in terms of human life has been very high.

Lesotho is concerned by the level of progress in advancing the peace process. We wish to stress the fact that the Quartet road map remains the only path towards a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement of the question of Palestine. In our view, Israel's unilateral disengagement plan cannot achieve the desired results. Any effort aimed at the peaceful settlement of the conflict should be carried out in full cooperation with the Palestinian Authority. We therefore encourage the parties to resume meaningful negotiations for a true and lasting peaceful settlement and the international community to render all the necessary assistance to that end.

Finally, as a tribute to the late President Arafat, the international community must spare no effort to realize his lifelong dream of a peaceful Middle East and the establishment of a Palestinian State based on the two-State solution -- Israel and Palestine, living side by side, within secure borders.

Mr. Chowdhury (Bangladesh)

Since 1977, we have been observing, on 29 November, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People with due solemnity. It has always been, for us and for all who feel passionately about the issue, a day of deep reflection. It has always been an occasion for us to review the situation and also to stimulate thoughts and discussions on how to bring the curtain down on this painfully tragic drama that is being enacted in Palestine.

This year the Day assumes even greater significance against the backdrop of the sad demise of President Yasser Arafat earlier this month. It is not just because he epitomized the spirit of Palestine, though he did that as well. It is also because he symbolized, for millions around the world, the cause of freedom and liberty. It is tragic that he could not see for himself the fruition of his long struggle.

But that is not to say it will not happen. It certainly will. Peace will come to that troubled land, and, when it does, it will be a fitting memorial to him.

While paying tribute to him, the Secretary-General called for even greater efforts to bring about the peaceful resolution of the problem. We wholeheartedly endorse that call. We in Bangladesh see, as part of this resolution, the establishment of an independent and sovereign State for the Palestinians, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

The peace process appears stalled, although there has been a glimmer of hope here and there. The problem has been compounded by the construction of the so-called security wall. This wall and the illegal settlements continue to impede peace.

The international community will now need to act in unison, with renewed vigour and stronger resolve. We remain convinced that a comprehensive peace in the Middle East can only come about through the full and unconditional implementation of all relevant United Nations resolutions. If the peace process is to succeed, it will require courage and vision, commitment and dedication on the part of all concerned parties. We have every confidence that these qualities will be forthcoming from the leaderships involved. In our view, our goal can be achieved if the road map of the Quartet is followed in full.

If there is one element common to all involved, it is a yearning for peace in the region in every Palestinian and Israeli heart. The challenge is now to translate desire into reality. Why should it not be possible, particularly in that part of the world? For, it is from these holy lands that the three great faiths of peace -- Islam, Christianity and Judaism -- emerged. This season we observe their three great feasts in close proximity to one another -- Eid-Al Fitr, Christmas and Hanukkah. We therefore assert that there can be no better moment to adhere to the three great sets of teachings, all of which carry the message of peace, tolerance and harmony, values that are embedded in the traditions to which all three are heirs.

Mr. Shiweva (Namibia)

At this difficult time in the history of the Palestinian people, my delegation would like, once again, to convey its deepest sympathy to the people of Palestine on the passing away of President Yasser Arafat. The late President Arafat was a visionary leader who devoted his entire life to the struggle for the liberation of Palestine; but his long-cherished goal to liberate Palestine and create an independent and sovereign Palestinian State has not yet been realized. Now that he is no more, the Palestinian people should rededicate themselves and continue from the point at which he left off, until final victory is achieved. We encourage them to remain united and rally behind their new leadership in their just cause for self-determination and national independence.

My delegation welcomes the debate on agenda item 37 entitled the "Question of Palestine". My delegation aligns itself with the statement made yesterday by Mr. Paul Badji, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Senegal to the United Nations, in his capacity as Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People. We thank Ambassador Victor Camilleri of Malta and the Rapporteur of the Committee for introducing the report.

The Palestinian people are going through a hard and protracted struggle for their freedom, justice and national independence. In the twenty-first century, the people of Palestine are still denied their right to self-determination. Their basic human rights are perpetually being violated, and their land is being illegally occupied.

My delegation is concerned by the increased violence and killing of innocent civilians, both Palestinian and Israeli. However, we underscore the fact that the illegal Israeli occupation and its repressive laws are the major cause of the ongoing violence. The continued disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force by the Israeli army; extra-judicial killings and assassinations of Palestinian leaders; the construction of the separation wall in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem; the demolition of houses; the destruction and confiscation of Palestinian properties; the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements; the restriction of movement imposed on both the Palestinian people and humanitarian aid workers, are all breaches of international law by Israel acting with impunity.

The construction of the separation wall has led to a deterioration in the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory. This Assembly thus requested of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) an advisory opinion on the legal consequences arising from the construction of the wall. The International Court of Justice rendered its opinion on 9 July 2004 that the construction of the wall is illegal and that it should be stopped and reversed. On the basis of that opinion, this Assembly adopted resolution ES-10/15 on 20 July 2004. This resolution should be implemented without delay. The General Assembly, as well as the Security Council, should ensure that Israel, as the occupying Power, fulfils its obligations under international law.

Briefing the Fourth Committee on 1 November 2004 on the work of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), its Commissioner-General, Mr. Peter Hansen, explained how the Agency is facing enormous difficulties in the occupied Palestinian territory as a result of Israel's military occupation, which has brought about violence, curfews and closures. The occupying Power also continues to arrest and detain Palestinians without charges, including UNRWA staff, thereby deterring them from freely carrying out their humanitarian tasks. Some have even lost their lives at the hands of the Israeli military forces. The international community should not allow these activities to continue with impunity.

We commend the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian people and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories for their important work under extremely difficult circumstances. Although the Special Committee was not allowed to visit the areas under occupation, they managed to obtain information by interviewing witnesses on the atrocities that are being committed daily by the occupying forces.

I would be remiss if I did not convey my delegation's appreciation to Mr. Terje Roed-Larsen, the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, for his dedication and tireless efforts in executing his mandate under very difficult conditions. As he retires from his Office, we wish him well, and we hope that his replacement will soon be effected.

In conclusion, as we convey our unwavering solidarity and support to the people of Palestine, we reiterate our call for the unconditional implementation of the road map as the only viable way of finding a peaceful solution to the question of Palestine. The people of Palestine deserve peace, and the international community should spare no effort in assisting them to achieve that goal.

Mr. Wang Guangya (China)

We were all saddened by the passing away not long ago of Mr. Arafat, Chairman of the Palestinian National Authority. I wish to take this opportunity, once again, to express our deep condolences on the death of Chairman Arafat. His lifelong dedication to the restoration of the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people will forever be remembered by the people of the world. We are pleased to note that the Palestinian people he left behind have maintained their unity and political stability.

The question of Palestine is at the heart of the question of the Middle East. The achievement of lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East will depend upon whether the legitimate national rights of the Palestinian people can be restored. Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 1397 (2002) have laid down a firm foundation for a political solution to the question. History has shown for more than five decades that only peace negotiations -- not military means -- can lead to a fair and appropriate solution to the question of the Middle East.

The Middle East peace process is currently at an important juncture and presents both opportunities and challenges. It is therefore important for the parties concerned to take advantage of this opportunity and to make a concerted effort to create conditions for an early resumption of the peace negotiations between Israel and Palestine. We welcome the positive gestures made by the parties concerned. The elections to be held in Palestine early next year are of major significance to stability there. We believe that the Palestinian people will continue to remain united and will ensure the success of the elections.

China believes that the international community should provide the assistance required for the elections. We also hope that Israel will facilitate the free participation of the Palestinian people in the elections and adopt measures to improve the humanitarian situation in Palestine. Under current circumstances, both Israel and Palestine must exercise the utmost restraint, avoid taking any actions that might jeopardize the relaunching of the peace process and try to do more to enhance mutual trust.

At the same time, the two sides should recommit themselves to the road map and adopt effective measures to fulfil their respective responsibilities. We sincerely hope that the political leaders of both Israel and Palestine will demonstrate extraordinary courage and farsightedness by taking advantage of this window of opportunity and working vigorously for the early resumption of peace talks.

The resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is closely linked to peace and stability in the Middle East and the world as a whole. Peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without the effective support of the international community. Now is the time for the international community -- especially the Quartet -- to step up its efforts and become more proactive in accelerating the implementation of the road map by Israel and Palestine. The United Nations, as an important organization for the maintenance of world peace and security, should also effectively fulfil its responsibilities in this regard.

Comprehensive peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without appropriate solutions to the conflict between Israel and Syria and between Israel and Lebanon. We appreciate the willingness expressed by Syria to enter into peace talks. We hope that the countries concerned will begin negotiations as early as possible and seek mutually acceptable solutions, in accordance with the principles set out at the Madrid Conference.

China, as a permanent member of the Security Council, has always supported and worked to promote the Middle East peace process. In recent years, China has worked to promote peace through a number of channels. We have organized meetings on the Middle East issue within the framework of the United Nations. China's special envoy to the Middle East has also visited the region on many occasions.

China, like the rest of the international community, will continue to make tireless efforts aimed at the early achievement of peace and stability in the Middle East.

Ms. Al-Akhzamy (Oman)

I should like, at the outset, to extend my deep gratitude and appreciation to the Chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People for the comprehensive report of the Committee, contained in document A/59/35, and for his detailed statement concerning the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.

There can be no doubt of the special importance of the issue under consideration at this meeting, given that the international community has for so long been unable to resolve the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories -- a situation that cannot be allowed to continue. More than 50 years of killing, displacement and the destruction of infrastructure has not prevented the proud Palestinian people from demanding their legitimate rights, which would be manifested in the establishment of an independent State, with Al-Quds as its capital.

The Palestinian people have always looked to this international body to protect them from the brutality of Israel, which has engaged in many of the worst practices of oppression and suppression -- killing the elderly, women and children, imposing collective punishment, laying siege to cities and towns, demolishing homes, destroying infrastructure and violating international norms and principles.

Israeli practices directed against the Palestinian people are unimaginable and go beyond all limits. There is no doubt that the international community has an opportunity to send a clear and unambiguous message calling upon Israel to halt such practices and begin real negotiations leading to the establishment of the pillars of security and stability, on the basis of the terms of reference of the peace process, prominent among which are the principle of land for peace and Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973).

The choice for peace requires political will on the part of all the parties concerned to agree to the obligations of a real peace based on justice and fairness. Peace cannot come as a result of killing, violence and all forms of terrorism against an unarmed people -- a people that calls upon God for help and upon the international community for assistance in obtaining and restoring their rights.

Peace is a strategic option -- an option that would demonstrate farsightedness and a willingness by the parties to enter into a true partnership whose objective would be to put an end to violence and to recognize the right of the other party to live in peace.

The world thought well of the parties concerned when they decided to begin the peace process -- a process that began at Madrid under the auspices of the United States of America and the Russian Federation and was crowned with the signing of the Oslo Accords and subsequent accords by the Israeli and Palestinian leaderships. But those hopes evaporated as one party backed away from its commitments and resorted to using military force and oppression as a means of resolving the conflict.

My country, the Sultanate of Oman, was one of the first countries to have welcomed the peace process, considering that the only civilized and natural approach to settling disputes was through dialogue and negotiation.

Thus, we call on the concerned parties and the sponsors of the peace process to assume an active role in settling the conflict in the Middle East by reactivating the work of the Quartet and realizing the vision of President George W. Bush of the United States of America, namely, to establish a Palestinian State existing side by side with Israel, within internationally recognized borders.

In conclusion, we call upon the international community to support the peace efforts in the Middle East. Peace can be achieved only through the recognition of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to establish an independent State and to live in peace in an internationally recognized sovereign State.

Mr. Wali (Nigeria)

The situation in the Middle East continues to deteriorate and has long remained one of the most intractable problems on the agenda of the United Nations. It is a matter of deep concern that the cycle of strife, violence and instability persists, despite the collective efforts of the United Nations and the international community. Nigeria deplores the spate of violence between the parties.

The continued violence in the subregion clearly violates the Oslo and Madrid agreements. Therefore, the international community should not allow that wanton destruction of lives and property to continue. The parties involved in the conflicts should realize that nothing meaningful and durable is ever achieved through violence. Nigeria believes that a just and sustainable solution to the question of a Palestinian State, existing side by side with the State of Israel, should be the basis for the establishment of sustainable peace in the Middle East. That would be consistent with Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973) and 425 (1978), among others. In that regard, we urge the parties to back their desire for peace, reconciliation and harmony with concrete action that ensures sustainable peace in the region. We therefore call on the parties to the conflicts to meet their obligations under international law and international humanitarian law in a genuine effort for peace.

Nigeria reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful settlement of the conflict, and we call upon the United Nations and the international community to assist the parties to resume peace negotiations on the basis of the relevant Security Council resolutions.

In that regard, we reaffirm our support for the vision and the engagement of the Quartet in negotiating a workable peace for the parties. Accordingly, we reaffirm our support for Security Council resolution 1515 (2003) and call on the parties to fulfil their obligations under the plan already set out in the road map. We therefore welcome the call by the Secretary-General for the establishment of a third-party mechanism to end violence and foster progress in the region.

Nigeria commends the efforts of the Quartet, the United Nations Secretary-General and the League of Arab States to bring the parties to agree to implement the road map. We urge the parties to abandon violence and pursue the peace process in goodwill and with the requisite political commitment.

In that connection, Nigeria reiterates its support of the vision of two States, Israel and Palestinian, living side by side in peace, within secure and recognized borders, as affirmed by Security Council resolution 1397 (2002).

Nigeria also wishes to reaffirm its support for the goal of ultimate peace between Israel and Lebanon and between Israel and Syria, based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973). We reiterate our support for the initiative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which was endorsed by the Arab League Summit of March 2002, the Madrid Conference of 2001 and the principle of land for peace. Accordingly, we deplore the reported violations of territorial integrity and call on the parties to desist from such violations in the overall interest of peace and stability in the subregion.

We believe that the resumption and completion of peace negotiations between Israel and Syria and implementation of resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973) are indispensable for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. We therefore call for a more vigorous engagement by the international community on this issue.

In conclusion, Nigeria commends the efforts for peace of the United Nations Special Coordinator and Personal Representative of the Secretary-General in the region. We also commend the men and women of the United Nations system and the international community, in particular the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, who continue to serve with courage and commitment to the cause of international peace and security in the subregion.

Nigeria reaffirms its support for the peaceful resolution of the conflicts in the Middle East and the question of Palestine in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the Security Council and the General Assembly.

Mr. Goonatilleke (Sri Lanka)

This year, the General Assembly is considering the question of Palestine at a momentous time, following the untimely passing of President Arafat, the leader of the Palestinian people. President Arafat's sudden demise has left a void in the political canvass of Palestine that will be difficult to fill. The services he rendered to the Palestinian cause, spanning several decades, will long be remembered by the Palestinian people.

Allow me to quote the message of the President of Sri Lanka, Her Excellency Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, held yesterday.

"Over the years, Sri Lanka has consistently extended its firm and unequivocal support for the struggle of the Palestinian people to realize their inalienable rights, including the right to statehood under the leadership of President Yasser Arafat.

"We are deeply saddened at the passing of President Arafat, who fought relentlessly throughout his life to uphold the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people.

"The reports of loss of life, injury and destruction of property that occur in the occupied territories on an almost daily basis fill me with profound sorrow. While conveying my deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to all those that have lost their loved ones, I hope that efforts to pursue an end to violence and revive the peace process will soon be realized.

"On behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, I take this opportunity to reaffirm our continuing solidarity with the Palestinian people and convey our sincere wishes for their well-being. We share the hopes and aspirations of the Palestinian people of seeing an end to foreign occupation, the achievement of a lasting solution, the realization of a Palestinian State and a durable peace."

Continuation of the illegal occupation of the Palestinian territory in contravention of numerous resolutions adopted by the United Nations, including those of the Security Council, and the conduct of the occupation forces within the occupied Palestinian territory are the primary reasons for the persistence of the Middle East conflict, which has been raging for so many years. The Palestinian people have lived far too long under foreign occupation and under conditions that are in keeping neither with the norms of international humanitarian law nor with the Fourth Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, which applies to the occupied Palestinian territory.

The rejection of violence by all parties concerned, Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian and other territories, recognition of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to have a sovereign and independent State, and respect for the right of all States in the region to live in peace and security are some of the essential ingredients for lasting peace in the Middle East.

We are convinced that the time has come for all parties to re-evaluate the situation on the ground, to take stock of the options available, to implement new strategies to heal old wounds and to seek new ways and means of achieving peace and security for all people living in that turbulent region.

The Government of Sri Lanka has consistently supported the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and their right to an independent and sovereign State, based on Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), 1515 (2003) and other relevant resolutions. Further, we recognize the right of all States in the region to live in peace within secure and internationally recognized borders.

The failure to resume the peace process, the continuation of violence and attacks against civilians, indiscriminate and disproportionate use of force by the Israelis, the continued construction of the separation wall well inside the Palestinian Territory -- which has been declared illegal in the Advisory Opinion rendered by the International Court of Justice in July 2004 -- and the expansion of settlements by Israel in the occupied territory are matters of great concern to the international community.

The meeting of the diplomatic Quartet in Sharm El Sheikh on 23 November gives us some hope that the current developments in the Middle East will help promote the peace process. In this regard, we are happy to note the encouraging news of the Quartet's reaffirmation of their determination to work with the Palestine leadership to support the forthcoming elections. We remain convinced that the resumption of the peace process for the implementation of the road map will lead to achieve the goal of a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the question of Palestine.

Against this backdrop, we urge the international community, in particular the Quartet, to redouble its efforts to help the parties to commence implementing their obligations under the road map, which will lead to the realization of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and make it possible for Israel and an independent and sovereign State of Palestine to live side by side in peace, harmony and security.