Security Council meeting 5493-Resu.1

The President

I should like to inform the Council that I have just received letters from the representatives of Pakistan, South Africa and Viet Nam, in which they request to be invited to participate in the consideration of the item on the Council's agenda. In accordance with the usual practice, I propose, with the consent of the Council, to invite those representatives to participate in the consideration without the right to vote, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Charter and rule 37 of the Council's provisional rules of procedure.

There being no objection, it is so decided.

Mr. Churkin (Russia)

The growing confrontation and bloodshed in the region -- in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories -- are causing the most serious concern in Russia and around the world. The number of victims among the civilian population is growing, and the threat of a full-scale humanitarian disaster is increasingly real.

A comprehensive assessment of the Middle East situation was provided by participants in the Group of Eight (G-8) Summit in Saint Petersburg. The United Nations Security Council, having ended its involuntary vow of silence, should make its authoritative voice heard. We anticipate that its members will shoulder their full responsibilities and will be strictly guided by the principles of the Charter and by the interests of establishing a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region, taking into account the positions of all parties and existing accords.

Russia has consistently been committed to vigorously combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. We reaffirm the need for immediate and unconditional release of abducted Israeli soldiers. Israel has a legitimate right to ensure its security. However, the scale of the use of force, the casualties and the destruction demonstrate that the actions stated for achieving this purpose go far beyond a counter-terrorist operation. We believe that there must be strict compliance with the norms of international humanitarian law.

Our sense of alarm regarding the fate of the civilian population in the area of hostilities was heightened by the fact that there were hundreds of Russian citizens at the epicentre of the conflict. We thank the United Nations and other international partners for helping to evacuate them.

Normalizing the situation in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories will require a multifaceted effort by the international community. The most important requirement at this point is an immediate cessation of hostilities. We support the appeal made by Prime Minister Siniora of Lebanon. It is essential that all acts of violence, including terrorist attacks and acts of provocation, incitement and destruction, be brought to an end. A ceasefire would allow civilians to freely and safely leave the conflict zones and make it possible to address the relevant problems through political and diplomatic channels.

That is precisely the current focus of diplomatic efforts by Russia, which has sent high-level representatives to the Middle East. We will continue to work to achieve those goals in cooperation with all interested parties.

We are certain that there can be no military solution to this conflict, or to any of the problems in the Middle East. The thrust of collective diplomatic efforts must in future be directed towards the search for practical steps to create conditions for a prompt end to bloodshed and to place this crisis on the track of a political settlement.

Mr. Vassilakis (Greece)

I would like to begin by paying respect to the memory of the victims of violence, whether in Lebanon, Israel or Palestine, and expressing our deep condolences to their families for their loss. As Greek Prime Minister Karamanlis said, this violence -- any violence -- cannot be distinguished as being good or bad. We condemn it in its totality, unequivocally and categorically.

Greece fully aligns itself with the statement to be made later by the Permanent Representative of Finland on behalf of the European Union.

The current situation in the Middle East is cause for grave concern and risks having far-reaching repercussions for the entire Middle East. Recently in Lebanon and Israel the use of force has inflicted a blow against the highest right -- the right to human life. It tests the conscience, the principles and the values of the international community. It is high time that the violence stop. We must return to diplomacy and create the minimum level of trust among the people of the area to allow for the development of a political process of negotiation leading to a peaceful and lasting solution. In particular, the dire humanitarian situation and the extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure, along with the indiscriminate taking of civilian life, require the immediate attention of the international community. It is obvious that a situation as serious as the current one cannot continue.

We deplore the suffering of the civilian population, whether in Lebanon, in Israel or in the occupied territories. We call upon all parties to use the utmost restraint, and we call for an immediate cessation of hostilities in order to prevent further loss of human life. United Nations agencies and humanitarian workers should be allowed to have access to southern Lebanon to assess the needs of the civilian population and deliver the humanitarian assistance that is needed. In this respect, we support the Secretary-General's appeal to establish safe corridors to allow humanitarian workers and relief supplies to reach the civilian population.

We call for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted Israeli soldiers, as well as for the immediate cessation of all attacks on Israeli cities and towns. We recognize Israel's legitimate right to self-defence. However, in exercising that right, Israel must abide by its obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. Actions contrary to international law cannot serve anyone's legitimate security concerns. In this respect, we repeat our call on Israel not to resort to the disproportionate use of force. In our view, that will not solve the existing problems.

The sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and political independence of Lebanon must be safeguarded and respected. The air and sea blockade of the country must be immediately lifted, and the stability of the country, as well as of its legitimate Government, must not be further undermined.

At the same time, it is imperative that the Lebanese Government be supported so that it can take immediate and effective strong action to prevent further attacks against Israel by Hizbollah. We urge the full implementation of Security Council resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006), including the disbanding and disarming of all militias.

The proposals made yesterday by the Secretary-General in his briefing to the Council constitute a good, sound basis for a sustainable solution and merit urgent consideration by the Council. The Security Council must now take immediate action, because further delays and silence will impair our collective credibility.

At this critical juncture, we believe that, above all, we should not lose sight of our agreed common vision for a lasting, comprehensive and viable solution of the Palestinian question, which lies at the heart of the whole Middle East conflict.

Greece remains committed to the achievement of such a solution, based on all relevant Security Council resolutions, including resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), as well as the Madrid terms of reference and the principle of land for peace, leading to the existence of two States, Israel and an independent, viable Palestine, living side by side with each other, in peace and security, within internationally recognized borders.

In this context, we firmly support the position of the Quartet that all members of the Palestinian Government must be committed to non-violence, to the recognition of Israel's right to exist and to the acceptance of previous agreements and obligations, including the road map.

It is on that basis that the international community stands ready to continue to support the Palestinians in their quest to achieve their goals of building the institutions of a democratic State and economic and social development.

Mr. De Rivero (Peru)

My delegation once again deplores the escalation of violence in the Middle East and the loss of hundreds of human lives. This escalation of violence and its extension to Lebanon was provoked by an attack by Hizbollah, an act of aggression unacceptable to any State and which prompted a military reaction by Israel in Lebanon.

The actions of Hizbollah aggravated the spiral of violence in the Middle East, which has been deteriorating since 25 June as a result of a similar act for which the Hamas-led Government of the Palestinian Authority was responsible.

Those abductions and attacks, whose similarity is not coincidental, prompted in both cases a military response by the Israel Defense Force to combat the actions of armed groups that have not renounced violence -- groups that form the Government, or part of the Government, of the Palestine Authority and of Lebanon, respectively.

We recognize the right of Israel, which is constantly being attacked by missiles launched by Hizbollah, to defend itself. Nevertheless, it should exercise that right while complying with the principles and norms of the Charter of the United Nations, as well as with international humanitarian law, avoiding the disproportionate use of force, which is causing the deaths of many innocent civilians, damaging civil infrastructure and creating a humanitarian crisis.

The Security Council should address the conflict in Lebanon with a double action. The first action should consist in achieving as soon as possible a cessation of hostilities and, in any case, while this is being achieved, bringing about an immediate humanitarian truce to avoid further deterioration of the situation of the Lebanese population.

The Council's second action should be to achieve a lasting peace agreement, in accordance with resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006) -- in other words, an agreement that re-establishes the sovereignty of Lebanon over all of its territory, including the disarmament of Hizbollah and of all the forces that operate outside the authority of the Lebanese State. We therefore support the elements proposed by the Secretary-General and the special mission dispatched to the Middle East, and we are confident that those elements will be duly taken into account by all parties concerned in order to resolve the crisis.

Likewise, with regard to Palestine, it is indispensable to recall here that any agreement should take into account the requirements that the Quartet has made of the Government of the Palestinian Authority. In other words, Hamas must recognize Israel, renounce violence and comply with the agreements previously accepted by the Palestinian Authority itself. A negotiated solution for the peaceful coexistence of two States, Israel and Palestine, with secure and internationally recognized borders is a utopia so long as one of the parties denies the right of the other to exist.

We firmly support the actions being undertaken through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to bring about the release of the Israeli soldiers kidnapped by terrorist groups in Lebanon and in Gaza and to secure their immediate repatriation to Israel, as well as the freeing of elected Palestinian officials who were recently illegally detained by Israel.

Furthermore, we are in favour of the substantive reinforcement of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon and its transformation into a force that will help the Lebanese authorities to guarantee the full implementation of resolution 1559 (2004).

While the cessation of hostilities is being achieved, it is indispensable that we deal with the humanitarian crisis that is being suffered by the population of Lebanon. According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees, there are half a million people affected by the conflict, including those who have been internally displaced. Further, more than 70,000 people have had to be evacuated from Beirut, while 115,000 third-country nationals are still in Lebanon. According to the ICRC, more than 100 towns and cities in Lebanon have been attacked by air, sea and land.

Also, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has gathered information suggesting that 300 people have died and a further 860 have been injured, including civilians and militants, and that there has been widespread destruction of public infrastructure, including hospitals, road networks, bridges, fuel stores, airports and seaports.

In the face of this dramatic humanitarian situation, Peru calls for an immediate humanitarian truce, a truce that would permit the establishment of air, sea and land corridors for immediate access for the humanitarian agencies and the evacuation of civilians and third-country nationals. We are sure that we can count on the cooperation of Israel and Lebanon in this. Such a truce is necessary to avoid further loss of innocent life and further suffering of the population. It is also necessary to ensure that the humanitarian agencies have access to those who need them in the present moment. And, finally, it is necessary to take this first step against violence.

Mrs. Taj (Tanzania)

We thank Mr. Vijay Nambiar and his team for the report on their mission to the Middle East. We commend the team for being able to cover much ground within a short time, and we are encouraged by their efforts, together with other diplomatic initiatives that are being undertaken to explore ways to defuse the crisis. We also thank Mr. Egeland for his update on the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon and Palestine.

We are alarmed and saddened by the destruction of Lebanon and Gaza in the last 10 days, resulting in death and injury to hundreds of innocent civilians. Over half a million people have been displaced by the ongoing war, disrupting the life of the Lebanese and Palestinian people with devastating consequences. As mentioned by Mr. Egeland, essential supplies are running out and a huge humanitarian crisis is unfolding, which calls for an urgent response from the international community.

Mr. President, since we have been discussing this issue for the past week, and in order to heed your call for short statements, we will not repeat what we said in previous meetings and will limit ourselves to a few comments.

First, while calling again for maximum restraint, we believe that a plan to end the crisis can be assembled quickly. The elements proposed by the Secretary-General yesterday on practical action aimed at stemming the spiralling violence have our full support. In addition, we believe that it is extremely essential that the Security Council respond, preferably through a resolution preceded by a press statement, along the lines discussed in our previous meetings.

Secondly, an immediate requirement is to bring the hostilities to an end in order to stop further loss of life and suffering. We have taken note of the proposal by Mr. Nambiar to secure some form of cessation of hostilities while working on an agreement for a ceasefire, and we rally ourselves to the idea. We also hope that Mr. Egeland's request for the establishment of corridors to Lebanon and inside Lebanon will be granted.

Thirdly, with regard to the Blue Line, we strongly recommend the strengthening of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to make it more responsive and effective. UNIFIL cannot discharge its mandate in its current form, as the operative circumstances have changed. We therefore call for a more robust force with a new concept of operation and powers, if not immediately, then soon enough.

Fourthly, we believe that it is not too early to begin reflecting on the mammoth task of reconstructing Lebanon. In this regard, we support the idea of organizing an international conference to consider timelines for the implementation of the Taif Agreement, together with resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006). The conference should also focus on the delineation of the border with Israel and resolve the dispute over Sheba'a Farms.

Lastly, we wish to reaffirm the need and urgency to find a lasting, comprehensive solution to the Palestinian question based on relevant United Nations resolutions and the Quartet road map.

Ms. Pierce (United Kingdom)

First, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for his public briefing yesterday and for his proposals. We are studying his proposals urgently. I should like also to thank Mr. Nambiar for his briefing on his very important mission, and also Mr. Egeland for his briefing on the United Nations efforts to deliver much-needed humanitarian relief.

The United Kingdom fully subscribes to the statement that will be delivered shortly by the representative of Finland on behalf of the European Union.

The United Kingdom is gravely concerned by the escalating crisis in the Middle East. It threatens the wider security of the region and is causing huge harm to the civilian population, with civilian casualties mounting, particularly in Lebanon. We fully echo the Secretary-General's call yesterday. Hostilities must stop.

I will focus first of all on the situation in Lebanon. We offer our condolences to the Governments of Lebanon and of Israel for the losses of civilian life and to the families of all those affected. We were also very concerned to hear from the Secretary-General that two United Nations personnel are still missing in south Lebanon.

The United Kingdom appreciates the pressure that both the Israeli and Lebanese Governments are under at this very difficult time. Both have a responsibility to help to end the crisis. In that respect, we welcome the Lebanese representative's statement today of Lebanon's desire to extend its authority over all of its territory.

It is important to remember that this crisis was precipitated by Hizbollah. Its militants crossed into Israel and killed eight Israeli soldiers and kidnapped two more. This is a calculated attempt by Hizbollah to further destabilize the region, without the slightest regard for the potential impact of its actions on the people of Lebanon, the Lebanese Government and the wider region.

The quickest and the easiest way to end the current crisis would be for the soldiers to be freed. We reiterate our call for their immediate and unconditional release.

Hizbollah does not act alone. As other speakers have said, behind it, lending support and giving direction, are Syria and Iran. Syria provides material support to Hizbollah and facilitates the transfer of weapons, including thousands of missiles, which appear to be supplied by Iran to Hizbollah.

Ultimately, long-term stability will be possible only if Syria and Iran end their interference in Lebanese internal affairs, in accordance with resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006). I should like to take the opportunity of this statement to urge Iran and Syria to use their influence to rein Hizbollah in.

Against this difficult and dangerous background, the focus of the international community must be on what action can be taken to bring about a durable ceasefire and help the Lebanese people. The United Kingdom is seriously concerned by the number of deaths, casualties and displaced persons that have resulted from this conflict. We have repeatedly and forcefully made clear to Israel that it must act with restraint -- the utmost restraint. Israel has every right to defend itself against these terrible acts of provocation, but we call on it to make greater efforts to avoid civilian casualties.

We welcome the United Nations efforts to deliver humanitarian relief, as outlined to us by Jan Egeland. The European Union is also ready to play a key role, as the situation on the ground allows. The United Kingdom has agreed to provide £2 million in immediate humanitarian assistance to Lebanon. We are also arranging for two humanitarian advisers and construction advisers to be sent to the region as soon as possible to assess what more we can do to help.

It is clear from aid agencies in Lebanon that they need immediate access to the displaced and the wounded. They need that access to be safe and secure, not under threat of attack, in order to bring relief to those who need it most. We fully support the Secretary-General's call for the immediate establishment of humanitarian corridors. We welcome what the Israeli representative has said today about evacuation and what other people have said about getting these humanitarian corridors in place. But it is crucial that everyone on the ground cooperate in putting in place not only evacuation facilities but also ways of ensuring that humanitarian assistance gets to the Lebanese civilians on the ground.

We all agree that the hostilities must end, but, as we have heard from the Secretary-General's team, there are serious obstacles to reaching a ceasefire or even to reducing the violence quickly. That underscores the need to create the conditions necessary for a ceasefire which is both credible and durable. We welcome the proposals put forward by the Secretary-General, in particular to the effect that the Israeli soldiers must be released immediately and that Hizbollah must end its attacks on Israel. We must also help the Government of Lebanon have complete control over all Lebanese territory.

In that context, the United Kingdom is working with key partners, including the United Nations, on ideas for an international force to support the Government of Lebanon in implementing resolution 1559 (2004) in order to ensure security in southern Lebanon.

Beyond the immediate crisis, as the Secretary-General said, we need a political framework for Lebanon's future. The United Kingdom is committed to working with him to give effect to this as quickly as possible.

We heard also from Mr. Nambiar and Mr. Egeland about the situation in the occupied territories. The United Kingdom also has deep concerns about the situation in Gaza. The escalation in violence since the 25 June attack at the Kerem Shalom crossing has caused great suffering on both sides and mounting casualties. We offer our condolences to both sides for their civilian losses. We reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of Corporal Shalit. We also condemn the continued rocket attacks from Gaza on Israeli towns. We have called on the Palestinian Authority to prevent all terrorist attacks, including the rocket attacks, and to work for the release of Corporal Shalit. We very much welcome the work President Abbas is doing to achieve that.

The United Kingdom continues to have serious concerns regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza. I repeat -- we recognize Israel's right to defend itself, but we insist that its actions must be proportionate and in accordance with international law.

We need an urgent end to the current crisis, as many speakers today have said eloquently. At the same time, and as Mr. Nambiar heard from many interlocutors in the region, real peace can come only through a lasting settlement. Our priority must be to create the conditions for an early resumption of negotiations. The events that we have witnessed around Israel's borders in recent days have reaffirmed the great urgency of constructing a lasting settlement and the perils of assuming that there is somehow a military solution to this conflict.

We believe that negotiation is the only viable way to move the peace process forward. Our goal remains a negotiated two-State solution achieved through the road map. There is no alternative to this, and it is incumbent on all of us to work together to find a way through the current crisis to get back onto that track.

Ms. Løj (Denmark)

At the outset, I should like to thank the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General, Ambassador Nambiar, and Under-Secretary-General Jan Egeland for their briefings. Denmark, too, aligns itself with the statement to be delivered later by the representative of Finland speaking on behalf of the European Union.

Last week, I expressed to the Council Denmark's concern that the prospects for lasting peace in the Middle East were fading. Today, those prospects seem more remote than ever. The biggest challenge facing the Council, the United Nations and the broader international community is to work with the parties involved to bring about lasting peace and stability in the Middle East and to bring back hope to the people of the region.

Last week, we condemned in the strongest terms those behind the kidnapping of the Israeli soldiers and the firing of missiles into Israel. We stressed that such actions are simply irresponsible and unacceptable. Without a doubt, Hizbollah bears full responsibility for those deadly crimes. But I want to reiterate another critical point: These extremist elements, and those that support them, are equally responsible. What we have seen and heard over the past few days has only confirmed that those behind the actions are opponents of stability and lasting peace.

Being attacked, as Israel was, grants the right to self-defence. However, defensive actions must be in line with international law. Israel must ensure that its response is proportional and measured and is carried out with full respect for a State's obligation to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure in times of war. Denmark is gravely concerned about the mounting toll of civilian casualties and the extensive damage to the civilian infrastructure. Israel must show utmost restraint and avoid disproportionate action.

Also, Denmark stands firmly behind Prime Minister Siniora's Government in Beirut. A failure of his Government could result in further polarization and radicalization. The overall challenge is to avoid the strengthening of extremism in general in the region.

Trapped in the middle of these grim hostilities are the Lebanese people and other countries' citizens. Their democratically elected Government is struggling to cope with the burden. The humanitarian crisis is deepening with each passing hour. Under-Secretary-General Jan Egeland's gripping assessment of the gravity of the situation underscores the urgent need for international action. We therefore strongly hope that agreement can be reached urgently to create humanitarian corridors to provide desperately needed assistance to those under siege and to other countries' citizens. My Government is ready to respond immediately to the United Nations flash appeal that is being prepared.

Denmark agrees that there is an urgent need to stop hostilities and return to the political process. At the same time, there can be no return to the status quo ante. We strongly support the Secretary-General's efforts and hope that all relevant parties will engage in the process and support it. The concrete proposals are still being studied carefully.

The best solution lies in supporting the Lebanese Government's efforts to restore full sovereignty over all its territories and to exercise the sole right to use of force on that territory. That is essential if Security Council resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006) are to be fully implemented.

We agree that a stabilization force will be needed to assist the Government of Lebanon in that considerable task. Such a force can be effective only if all relevant parties agree with its deployment and mandate. We pledge to work with the Council and the Secretary-General to develop the concept of such a force.

In my statement today, I have not mentioned the worrying developments in Gaza, since I did that last week. But a lasting solution must thoroughly address all of the outstanding issues in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question, in order to be viable.

In conclusion, I would like to repeat that it is of paramount importance that all parties involved in the conflict refrain from any action that would inflame an already critical situation.

Nana Effah-Apenteng (Ghana)

Let me begin by congratulating you, Mr. President, for convening this meeting on the situation in the Middle East, specifically the tragedy in Lebanon. I wish to thank the Secretary-General's Special Adviser, Mr. Vijay Nambiar, and the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Mr. Jan Egeland, for their briefings.

We are appalled by the violence that is going on and saddened that the United Nations Security Council has not been able to do the minimum required of it under the United Nations Charter, which is to call for an immediate ceasefire. We totally reject the deliberate and systematic undermining of international law and international humanitarian law and affirm in the strongest terms the time-honoured moral values of justice, equality and respect for the sanctity of human life to which we are all equally bound.

The methods and actions of Hamas and Hizbollah are objectionable. Peaceful settlement rather than violent resistance to the occupation is the answer. The captured Israeli soldiers deserve and must obtain their freedom immediately. But fairness also demands that we do not pretend that there are no innocent victims of Israeli operations, the so-called collateral damage. More often than not, we hear of pre-emptive actions but are offered little evidence. No human life should be so easily dismissed as collateral damage. If we lower the standards of international norms of behaviour, it will come back to haunt us. So we must always be vigilant and consistent in defending our shared values.

Lest our position be misunderstood, let me emphasize that it is not Israel's sovereign right to protect its civilian population and territorial integrity from aggression that is at issue. It is the manner in which Israel, a respected democracy in the Middle East, has gone about exercising that right. The asymmetry in the death toll is marked and disturbing, and it is growing steadily. Lebanon is under complete siege, its land, air and sea under a relentless Israeli blockade. The reality of Israel's absolute military dominance in the region belies the oft-repeated claim that this powerful country must take extreme measures to protect itself, even if that means laying waste another sovereign State that obviously is very weak.

What can justify the sudden displacement of over half a million people and the death of over 300 others, including children? While some countries have the means to evacuate their privileged citizens from the relentless bombardment and wanton destruction going on, where do the displaced Lebanese go? Is this war really about dismantling Hizbollah? The use of force to combat terrorism has often proved to be counterproductive.

My delegation is deeply concerned by reports of the conditions imposed by Israel on the troops of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), as lucidly described by the Secretary-General yesterday. As a member of the United Nations, Israel has an obligation to ensure the safety and security of all United Nations personnel, who should not be made to suffer for their selfless response to international duty.

It is regrettable that Israel has rejected as premature the clarion call by the Secretary-General and the international community for an immediate cessation of hostilities. That was to allow diplomacy to assume a central role in the search for a lasting solution to the conflict. We are convinced that it is in the interest of all parties to heed the Secretary-General's call, because there can be no military solution to the crisis. Continued fighting would only worsen the situation and cause further disenchantment.

In that connection, the set of proposals announced by the Secretary-General yesterday merits serious consideration, and my delegation fully supports them. The proposed deployment of an expanded international peacekeeping force along the Blue Line is of utmost importance. We hope the parties will agree to that deployment. However, peacekeeping is one thing, while counter-insurgency is entirely different. The effectiveness of such a mission would depend mainly on its military capabilities. Certainly, such a force must be larger in size than UNIFIL and must have a broader mandate if it is to be stronger than the militias on the ground. In the meantime, we await the details on the exact location, size and composition, as well as the mandate, of the proposed mission.

In conclusion, I must reiterate my delegation's expectation that this Council will live up to its responsibilities under the Charter as the organ with primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security. It must not allow its integrity to be compromised by failing to take a firm position on the situation in Lebanon, and it must be seen to be doing so by the interested public.

It is not too much to ask of this Council, which has been known to be vocal and ready to act on situations deemed as potential threats to peace and security elsewhere, to react to an on-going war in the most volatile region of the world.

The minimum that the Council can do is to support the Secretary-General's appeal, which has been echoed by some other world leaders, for an immediate cessation of hostilities and examine the other elements of his proposals dispassionately. It is important that we also assist the Lebanese Government to establish full control over its territory and to abide by its commitment to implement resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006). We should bear in mind, though, that we cannot attain comprehensive peace in Lebanon unless it is linked with the broader Middle East question, at the core of which is the Palestinian issue.

Ten days into the conflict in Lebanon, the Council has remained silent. By its silence or perceived paralysis, the Council is lending credence to accusations of selectivity and double standards in its consideration of issues. Who can fault those who are agitating for a comprehensive reform of the Security Council?

Mr. Mayoral (Argentina)

In recent weeks my delegation has frequently had opportunity to express its views on the current serious crisis in the Middle East. I shall therefore limit myself to commenting on what we consider to be priority aspects.

First of all, with regard to the immediate causes of the current crisis in the Middle East, we reiterate once again that the primary responsibility falls on Hamas and Hizbollah due to their provocative and irresponsible actions in recent months. Argentina has already unequivocally condemned those actions and the rocket attacks against Israeli territory, which have caused death and injuries to numerous innocent Israeli civilians. I take this opportunity to reiterate that those attacks should stop and that kidnapped Israeli soldiers should be immediately and unconditionally released.

In recent weeks we also expressed our serious concern about the disproportionate and excessive use of force by Israel. We reiterate our condemnation of the military actions that have caused the deaths of hundreds of innocent Lebanese and Palestinian civilians and the destruction of basic infrastructure in the Gaza Strip and on Lebanese territory.

There is no doubt that all of that constitutes a new historic tragedy in the region.

Argentina recognizes that Israel has a legitimate right to self-defence, in accordance with Article 51 of the Charter. However, we believe that such a right should be exercised in conformity with international law, in particular with the provisions of international humanitarian law and respect for the human rights of the population. It is clear that those who suffer the most in the Middle East are the innocent civilians, be they Lebanese, Palestinian or Israeli. Protecting them should be the priority of the Security Council and the international community.

Argentina believes that immediate measures should be taken to alleviate the suffering of the Lebanese civilian population. The first step to that end should be a cessation of hostilities and the granting of access to humanitarian organizations to all affected areas. We are witnessing a very serious humanitarian crisis. The establishment of humanitarian corridors is essential so that assistance can reach the affected population, as well as to carry out the necessary evacuations.

We believe that the Security Council should act urgently and declare a cessation of hostilities. That has been Argentina's position since the beginning of the conflict. Unfortunately, our call has not been repeated by all the other members of the Security Council.

While seeking a solution to the most urgent issues, we should also work to create the foundations for a lasting and sustainable ceasefire. We therefore believe that the proposals presented to the Governments of Israel and Lebanon by the Secretary-General's envoys are an appropriate basis for solving the problems linked to southern Lebanon and for fully implementing Security Council resolutions 425 (1978), 426 (1978), 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006). We are prepared to work on the basis of those and other ideas with a view to drawing up a draft resolution that sets out the framework for a lasting solution to the conflict between Israel and Lebanon.

I cannot fail to mention my country's concern about the situation regarding the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and its personnel. We remind the parties of the need to guarantee the safety and security of United Nations personnel. Likewise, we believe that UNIFIL should be able to carry out its mandate, and it should therefore be allowed freedom of movement.

With regard to the Gaza Strip, I would like to reiterate Argentina's concern about the suffering of the civilian population. We believe that right away a package of measures should be considered that addresses an end to the launching of Qassam rockets against Israeli territory by Palestinian groups, the release of the Israeli soldiers, the release of Palestinian officials and legislators, the cessation of the excessive use of force by Israel, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory and the acceptance by the Government of the Palestinian Authority of the three principles set out by the Quartet.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is also very serious and has worsened even more as a result of the extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure of the territory. We once again demand that the crossing points be reopened immediately to allow for the importing of food, medicine, other basic goods and fuel. We call on the donor community to respond generously to the humanitarian needs in the Gaza Strip.

We believe that it is important to recall that the underlying cause of these conflicts and of other unresolved situations in the Middle East is the absence of comprehensive regional peace. Argentina therefore once again calls for renewed efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace based on the resolutions of the Security Council, in particular, as we have said, resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 425 (1978), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003), as well the road map, the Madrid terms of reference and the principle of land for peace.

The Security Council has an important role to play in all the aspects I have referred to. We should rise to the challenge, act with determination and resolve to fulfil our responsibilities regarding the maintenance of international peace and security. The lives of hundreds of innocent civilians and the prospects for peace in the Middle East depend upon our immediate and decisive action. I believe the time has come to take urgent action.

Mr. Biaboroh-Iboro (Congo)

My delegation would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having organized this public debate on the situation in the Middle East, which is currently experiencing the horrors of war. There is nothing routine about this monthly meeting, given that it is taking place against the backdrop of open warfare in both Gaza and Lebanon.

My delegation would like to thank Mr. Nambiar for the briefing he has given us regarding the mission to the region carried out by the high-level team. I should also like to thank Mr. Egeland for the information he has provided to us about the humanitarian crisis.

It is undeniable that the situation in the Middle East in recent days is greatly alarming. It is also urgent that an effective response from the international community be provided to relieve the suffering of civilians, particularly women and children, hostages and victims of acts of war of unprecedented violence both in Lebanon and Palestine and in Israel.

We already had an opportunity in this Chamber to say what we think about this situation. Today, the time has come to seek appropriate solutions. The destructive violence must rapidly give way to a peaceful settlement and to an end of fighting, which is a precondition for a peaceful solution but is above all a necessary condition to relieve the unspeakable plight of the civilians in that region.

The Security Council, fortified by the primary responsibility that falls to it within the framework of maintaining international peace and security, must clearly and firmly call upon the protagonists to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities. That is the least that we can do today.

My delegation believes that it is unacceptable, indeed inconceivable, that the Council would maintain a prolonged silence, given the increased deterioration of a situation with dramatic consequences for the life of civilian populations. It is unacceptable that we would indulge in speculations on the outcome of an armed conflict because experience tells us, particularly in this region, that no military victory will produce a sustainable resolution of the complicated issues facing the States and entities of the Middle East.

More than ever, we must heed the moving appeals of leaders and populations in the region and not abandon them to their own fate. We must contribute to easing their suffering, particularly by establishing conditions by which they can move about and have access to emergency assistance via humanitarian corridors in Lebanon.

Yes, we are duty-bound, in order not to be complicit, to respond to the distress of innocent populations who are trapped by a pattern of war and extremism. My delegation calls upon all parties to the conflict to comply with their highest obligation to protect civilians against attack, in accordance with the principles of international humanitarian law.

Yes, we must also, with a view to a lasting settlement, give diplomacy a chance to seek a just, comprehensive and lasting solution to the conflict in the Middle East, for which the instruments have already been created and a road map established. In this respect, my delegation greatly encourages the many and varying initiatives that are emerging and that need to be channelled.

Already, our delegation welcomes the personal involvement of the Secretary-General and welcomes the avenues for a settlement explored by the high-level team that he sent to that region. The initial conclusions that were presented to us yesterday are, to our mind, a good basis for a settlement of the crisis in that they give priority to the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities, which is a precondition to political negotiations and diplomatic efforts on all of the problems set out, which need to be considered concomitantly.

That is an approach which would make it possible to reduce tensions and open the door to a lasting settlement of the crisis in the Middle East based on relevant Security Council resolutions, the Quartet road map and the principles of international law.

The President

I will now make a statement in my capacity as representative of France.

I would like to thank Mr. Nambiar and Mr. Egeland for their statements, which supplement the Secretary-General's very interesting speech yesterday.

I wish to state that my delegation fully subscribes to the speech that will be made by the representative of Finland on behalf of the European Union.

France is extremely worried at the escalation of violence in the Middle East. In Lebanon, Hizbollah bears responsibility for the unleashing of hostilities, and we condemn in the strongest terms the continued firing of rockets on Israeli cities that blindly kill and wound civilians. But we also condemn the disproportionate response by Israel, whose military operations are holding the Lebanese people hostage, killing large numbers of civilians and causing substantial material damage in Lebanon.

France solemnly reiterates its call for an immediate cessation of hostilities to spare people further suffering and give the search for a diplomatic solution a chance. For now, the parties must observe the utmost restraint and refrain from any action that might put civilians in greater danger. As President Chirac said, humanitarian corridors in Lebanon itself and between Lebanon and the outside are immediately essential in order to guarantee the safety of displaced persons who are trying to leave Lebanon and to deliver humanitarian aid.

At the same time, the international community must urgently tackle the task of finding a solution to the conflict. We know that in order to be effective and lasting, the solution will have to include, on the one hand, the disarmament of Hizbollah or to begin the neutralization of the threat it poses to Israel, and, on the other, the extension of control of the Government and Lebanese army to the south. How is this to be achieved?

While the purely incentive-based approached we tried with resolution 1559 (2004) did not produce the desired effects on this point, we are convinced that there can be no military solution. Israeli military operations are undoubtedly weakening Hizbollah's military capabilities, but they are also fuelling hate, and they risk reinforcing its audience in Lebanon and elsewhere. By systematically destroying the country's infrastructure, strangling its economy and targeting the Lebanese army, Israel is greatly weakening the Lebanese State. We must think of the day after, when we will have the greatest need for a strong Lebanese State, able to count on a credible army in order to extend its authority throughout its territory.

The Secretary-General reported yesterday to the Council on his efforts and those of the mission he sent to the Middle East. He presented us with parameters and leads for resolving the crisis. We are pleased to observe that they are close to the ideas that France has developed. They provide the basis for developing a coherent solution to the crisis. The Council must face up to its responsibilities. It must intensify its efforts and begin as soon as possible developing a resolution that will offer the framework for a lasting settlement to the crisis.

As far as the Palestinian territories are concerned, France is also extremely concerned at the continued deterioration in the security and humanitarian situation, especially in the Gaza Strip. While recognizing Israel's legitimate right to defend itself against terrorism -- in particular against Qassam rockets, which nothing justifies -- we call on the Israeli Government to exercise the utmost restraint, particularly to protect Palestinian civilians. We condemn the recent disproportionate military operations against Palestinian towns and refugee camps in the Gaza Strip, which resulted in a heavy human toll, especially among civilians, and considerable damage to basic infrastructure, vital equipment and institutions of the Palestinian Authority.

The Palestinian Authority, for its part, must immediately take all necessary measures to stop the firing of rockets and acts of violence against Israel and its citizens, and to encourage the release of the kidnapped Israeli soldier. We reaffirm that the Hamas-led Government must adhere to the three principles laid down by the Quartet, namely, renunciation of violation, recognition of Israel and acceptance of the agreements that have been signed.

It remains essential to protect the Palestinian Authority as an institution and forerunner of a State and to guarantee the possibilities for future dialogue and negotiation. In this regard, we again call on Israel to release the members of the Government and of the Legislative Council and Palestinian political leaders. The agreement on the crossing points, particularly those of Rafah and Karni, must be implemented and respected.

In the longer term, the international community must not lose sight of the objectives set out in the road map. France remains deeply concerned about the fact that, although the International Court of Justice issued its advisory opinion on the construction of the wall in the West Bank two years ago, the settlement policy and the construction of the separation wall within the occupied Palestinian territory are continuing. Such practices compromise the future establishment of a viable Palestinian State.

It is essential that all the parties take urgent measures to put an end to the hostilities and respect civilians, who are the main victims of and hostage to the conflicts in the Middle East. Diplomatic efforts by the Secretary-General and by a number of countries are under way with a view to helping to bring about a resolution of both crises, which is essential for the future of the region and beyond. France will continue to work tirelessly to promote a comprehensive, just and lasting settlement, based on the rule of law, so that the States and peoples of the region will at last be able to live in peace and security.

I resume my functions as President of the Council.

I now give the floor to the representative of the Syrian Arab Republic.

Mr. Ja'afari (Syria)

The Security Council -- the body entrusted with the maintenance of international peace and security -- is meeting against the backdrop of war crimes and crimes against humanity being perpetrated by Israel against the territory and the people of Lebanon and of Palestine. Those crimes have not spared Arab nationals, foreign tourists or even a soldier working for the international force deployed on the border between Lebanon and Israel. Those whose lives were not directly threatened by the actions of the terrorist State have been denied the right to live in conditions of peace, safety and stability and prevented from satisfying the most basic daily needs, including attending school and university and seeking treatment in hospitals.

Today more than ever, the Security Council is called upon to hold Israel accountable for its crimes and to bring their perpetrators and masterminds to international justice. The degree to which Israel and those who cover for it and support it distort facts and manipulate words is shocking, while the value accorded to the human lives that are being wasted depends on circumstance. An Israeli life has a different value and a different degree of dignity from others, especially if the others are Arab or Muslim. The right to life is not considered to be the same in both cases. According to that distorted view, therefore, the Israeli prisoner's suffering is not the same as the suffering of each of the 700,000 Arab and Palestinian prisoners -- I repeat, the 700,000 Arab and Palestinian prisoners -- thrown into Israeli prisons since 1967. The suffering of hundreds of thousands of Arabs is not equal to that of one Israeli prisoner. The suffering of a single Israeli individual is greater than the suffering of the whole population in Palestine, Lebanon and Syrian.

The distortion of facts does not stop with ethical or moral considerations, but extends to include legal aspects. Israeli claims, and the claims of those who support it in its hostile right to self-defence, lay that distortion bare. It is Israel that has occupied the lands of others by force since 1967. It establishes illegitimate and internationally condemned settlements thereon. It forces out the population and deprives them of the most basic rights provided for in international law and international humanitarian law. Those two laws are considered the biggest victims of Israel's State terrorism.

How can the occupiers, the aggressors -- those who have perpetrated carnage against civilians for decades -- be in a position of self-defence? Can any member of the Security Council, or other Members of this international Organization, understand the reason why Israeli fighter jets and warships would destroy the Rafik Al-Hariri Airport in Beirut and the infrastructure in Tripoli, Sidon, Tyre, Baalbek and other Lebanese towns?

Can we understand why Israel would kill scores or even hundreds of children, women and other innocent civilians in Lebanon and Palestine? Can we understand the meaning or the scale of the bombing by Israel of the Damascus -- Beirut highway used by Arabs and foreigners, including diplomats, residing in Lebanon, who were seeking a safe refuge and fleeing the indiscriminate Israeli war machine?

My country has received hundreds of thousands of Lebanese, as well as foreign diplomats and Arab and foreign tourists seeking a safe haven, away from the indiscriminate Israeli destruction machine. Nevertheless, the Israeli war machine has made that road to Damascus fraught with danger. Israel did not even spare buses and other vehicles transporting those people, let alone Arab humanitarian convoys. Unfortunately, volunteers have fallen victim to the Israeli acts of aggression.

While we understand the efforts made by some internationally influential countries to transport their citizens out of Lebanon, we ask about the validity of the concept that discriminates between peoples' lives. Were not those countries supposed to be bringing pressure to bear on Israel in the Security Council to cease firing and to put an end to the bloodbath that is currently under way?

The barbaric Israeli acts of aggression are not just targeting Lebanon, or even international peace and security. They are designed to undermine the credibility of the United Nations itself. Throughout its long history, the United Nations and its resolutions have never been ignored as they have been in the case of Israel.

More than a thousand resolutions have been adopted calling on Israel to comply with resolutions of international legitimacy. However, those resolutions have never been implemented or seen the light of day. Some act as if the law is to be respected by the weak only. That leads us to question the degree of commitment by the mighty to the law and the need for it. What about its credibility or usefulness? Applying such a double standard to international norms would lead to the hegemony of the law of the jungle. We and the people of the world ask: "Where are we going?"

While Israel declares that it reserves the right to interpret the question of self-defence unilaterally, it ignores the right of others to defend themselves, too, against foreign occupation, colonization and aggression, as stipulated in the Charter. Israel, and those who protect it, will always seek, while continuously attempting to distort facts, to abridge the Arab-Israeli conflict -- to minimize it -- and to ignore the fact that the problem is primarily one of occupation of and settlement in occupied Arab territories since 1967. It is also a problem of displacement of peoples of the region, depriving them of their most basic rights to return to their homeland, in a flagrant violation of international law.

Lebanon suffered considerably over the past years as a result of Israel's defiance of international legitimacy. The repeated Israeli invasions of Lebanon -- in 1978, 1982 and 1996 -- and the occupation of southern Lebanon for over 20 years are stark examples of how Israel flouts this legitimacy. Obstructing the role of the Security Council by this or that country -- for reasons related to a well-known political agenda, reasons far removed from its role in maintaining international peace and security -- contributes to beating the drums of war, gives a green light to Israel to continue its aggression and covers its criminal acts. It also blocks the international community's desire to achieve a just and comprehensive settlement in the region.

We therefore question the benchmark against which we can measure the weight of statements made by a representative of a superpower that is supposedly entrusted, under the Charter, with the responsibility to maintain international peace and security when this representative uses the veto privilege against a draft international resolution to protect the Palestinians, when he calls explicitly for continued aggression against the Palestinians and the Lebanese and rejects a ceasefire. That flagrantly contradicts the concept of the maintenance of international peace and security and constitutes a deliberate obstruction to international legitimacy in carrying out this responsibility.

The Syrian Arab Republic calls on the Security Council to assume the responsibilities entrusted to it by virtue of the Charter, to put an immediate end to the Israeli aggression against the Lebanese and the Palestinian peoples. We hope that the Council's measures will be independent and compatible with the Charter and based on protecting Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity from Israeli aggression, rather than on interference in its internal affairs.

Whoever defends this aggression and shields its continuation is obstructing the Security Council's role to achieve a peaceful and just settlement of a dispute that is as old as the United Nations. In obstructing the Council's role it thus continues to adopt its agendas and unsuccessful policies in the region, and increases the sufferings of the peoples there.

Instability in the region is caused by Israel's continued occupation of Arab territories and the impunity given to Israel by certain influential Powers, allowing it to act as if it was above the law, to the detriment of our legitimate rights in Palestine, Lebanon and the Golan. Furthermore, the unfair and biased policies pursued in our region by superpowers further increase instability and tension there. We therefore wonder: is the new Middle East promised by some superpowers in the region based on granting Israel a licence to kill and to commit aggression against the peoples of the region, and on providing justification, cover-up and protection in order to allow the aggression to continue?

The foreign ministers of the Arab States decided that it was necessary for the peace process to be restored to the United Nations, because Israel and its supporters killed every prospect for peace in the Middle East. The peace that they themselves perceived and tried to impose on certain peoples of the region is agonizing and can no longer be enforced. We do not want the United Nations to be sacrificed on the altar of tragic and irresponsible policies.

My country, the Syrian Arab Republic, was among the founding fathers of the United Nations and among those who contributed to the San Francisco Charter. We will remain committed to the United Nations, because it is our only option in the face of those who break the law and perpetrate State terror, and against those aggressors who destroy the standards of human existence itself. The Syrian Arab Republic has persistently stressed its readiness to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, as well as stability and security in the Middle East region, through the Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Palestinian, Syrian and Lebanese territories.

In the face of the Israeli aggression campaign against Lebanon and Palestine, the Syrian Arab Republic urges the Council to exert pressure on Israel for an immediate ceasefire and put an end to the destruction of the two countries. We also call on the Council to hold Israel responsible for this aggression and for compensation for the ensuing casualties and losses.

The Syrian Arab Republic is making genuine efforts to pave the way for a serious opportunity for diplomatic action aimed at ending aggression and establishing a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

The statement by the representative of the United States, accusing my country of supporting terrorism, is totally unfounded and far from the truth, both in letter and in spirit. The representative of the United States of America wilfully ignores the fact that the Syrian Arab Republic was the first -- even before his country -- to address collectively the threat of terrorism. Since 1986 Syria has persistently called for the convening of an international conference to define terrorism. It has worked with many delegations here at the United Nations to submit a resolution to the General Assembly to that effect. Since the early 1990s, the United States of America persistently voted against that resolution.

The Syrian Arab Republic works with a high sense of responsibility with the Security Council ad hoc committees established pursuant to Council resolutions to counter terrorism. The chairpersons of those committees have continuously commended Syria's cooperation. Furthermore, Syria has even cooperated with the United States of America to counter terrorism. The information provided by my country to the American side saved the lives of many Americans. Therefore, many senior officials in the former American Administration expressed appreciation for this cooperation. It has become necessary, on both moral and legal grounds, and in every possible humanitarian consideration, to avoid the issue of counter-terrorism in pursuit of certain political agendas aimed at covering up aggression.

Syria abides by internationally agreed legal norms. We in my country idolize President George Washington because he chose to liberate his country. We do not consider him a terrorist. We also respect the principles embraced by President Wilson and teach them to our schoolchildren. We also consider Gandhi to be a nationalist fighter who resisted foreign occupation. We view Jeanne d'Arc of France as a national heroine who fought against foreign occupation. Then there is Djamila Bouhired of Algeria, a national heroine who also resisted foreign occupation. And let us not forget Nelson Mandela.

We view with respect -- and I believe others do the same -- all who resist foreign occupation and defend the dignity of their homeland. Let me recall here that part of my homeland -- the Syrian Golan -- has been under Israeli occupation since 1967. The Security Council has adopted a number of resolutions condemning that occupation and calling for its end. Where is the terrorism in the examples that I have cited? How can we consider it that in the light of the experiences of our people? We have to stop confusing the two issues. Counter-terrorism efforts should be based on purely legal considerations and norms, not political agendas that undermine the credibility of the Council and raise questions as to its legitimacy.

As for the accusations levelled against my country in the statement made by the representative of Israel, I think that the same thing can be said about their credibility. However, in that respect, we have to recall yet again that the State terrorism perpetrated by Israel has included many distinguished figures from the United Nations itself. I do not think I would be wrong if I were to say that Count Bernadotte was the first martyr of this international Organization to fall victim to Israeli State terrorism and acts of aggression.

Israel has refused to receive numerous commissions of inquiry established by the United Nations, the last of which was entrusted with investigating the Jenin massacre.

What we are really seeing is a cancer -- State terrorism perpetrated by Israel against the peoples of the region, including the Israeli people. The heads of Zionist gangs have become prime ministers in Israel and are known as such in many parts of the world. Therefore those Israeli leaders responsible for war crimes and collective massacres of the Palestinian and Lebanese people, such as the Jenin, Nablus and Qana massacres, as well as the Marwahin massacre a few days ago, have inherited the propensity to do so from their forefathers, who perpetrated the Deir Yassin, Kafr Qasim and Bahr Al-Baqr massacres, among many others.

The real terrorism in the region is the continued occupation by Israel of Arab lands. It is Israel's hostile acts that are given infinite support by some influential countries that have tried to cover up their failed policies by blaming others for their own failures.

In conclusion, let me say that, like Martin Luther King, I have a dream. I have a dream that the Israeli acts of aggression will come to an end. Like Martin Luther King, I have a dream -- that peace will prevail in our region and that our people will know stability, peace and development, instead of war, threats of war and the drums of war.

The President

The next speaker on my list is the representative of Finland, to whom I give the floor.

Ms. Lintonen (Finland)

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The following countries -- Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey, Croatia, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Iceland, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova -- align themselves with this statement.

The European Union is acutely concerned at the situation in the Middle East. In particular, we are concerned at the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. The European Union deplores the loss of civilian lives on all sides. These developments pose a serious threat to peace and security in the region. The European Union calls for the release of the abducted soldiers and an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The European Union recognizes Israel's legitimate right to self-defence, but it urges Israel to exercise utmost restraint and not to resort to disproportionate action. All parties must do everything possible to protect civilian populations and to refrain from actions that violate international humanitarian law.

It is urgent to stop the violence and return to diplomacy. Only a political process of negotiation can bring lasting peace to the region. It is urgent that the international community engage actively in this process. We express our full support for the efforts of the Secretary-General and of actors in the region. The European Union welcomes an active role on the part of the Security Council, including through considering the possibility of an international monitoring presence. We support the agenda set out in the G-8 statement. The European Union's High Representative, Mr. Solana, is also actively engaged in the region.

Concerning the developments in Lebanon and Israel, the European Union condemns the attacks by Hizbollah on Israel and the abduction of two Israeli soldiers. The European Union calls for their immediate and unconditional release and for the cessation of all attacks on Israeli towns and cities.

The European Union recalls the need for the Lebanese State to restore its sovereignty over the whole of its national territory and to do its utmost to prevent such attacks. The European Union expresses its support for Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. The European Union urges the full implementation of resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006), including the disbanding and disarming of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias, and strict respect of the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and political independence of Lebanon. Continued escalation will only aggravate the vicious circle of violence and retribution.

The European Union appeals to all parties to ensure the safe and speedy passage from Lebanon of all those citizens of European Union member States, as well as other expatriates, who wish to leave Lebanon in the current situation. The European Union calls on Israel not to hinder shipping in international waters.

Concerning the situation in Gaza, the European Union remains deeply concerned at the deteriorating situation between Israel and the Palestinians and deplores the resulting loss of civilian life. The European Union reiterates its call for the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted Israeli soldier. It calls on the Palestinian leadership to bring an end to violence and terrorist activities, including the firing of rockets into Israeli territory.

The European Union calls on both parties to alleviate the desperate humanitarian situation of the civilian population and urges Israel to engage in the restoration of the destroyed civilian infrastructure. The Israeli air strikes on Gaza's only power plant have had a far-reaching impact on Gaza's hospitals, food production facilities, water and sanitation systems. The Rafah crossing was open for passage from Egypt to Gaza on 18 July. In addition to the Rafah crossing, the European Union urges that other border crossings such as Karni be opened and remain open to allow at least the passage of humanitarian aid and basic products to Gaza and the safe return of Palestinians currently on the Egyptian side of the border.

The European Union remains particularly concerned about the detention of elected members of the Palestinian Government and legislature and calls for their immediate release.

The European Union commends the efforts of President Abbas to create the widest possible consensus in support of the objectives of the road map. The European Union reiterates that it stands ready to work with a Palestinian Government that meets and implements the three principles of non-violence, recognition of Israel's right to exist and acceptance of existing agreements and obligations, including the road map. The European Union encourages progress in the Palestinian national dialogue to that end.

The European Union is committed to pressing ahead with the further expansion of the proposed temporary international mechanism in order to channel humanitarian aid directly to the Palestinians. The European Union and its member States have contributed significantly. The European Union encourages donors and others in the region to make full use of the mechanism. The European Union urges Israel to resume transfers of withheld Palestinian tax and customs revenues.

This crisis underlines the need for the negotiation of a just and lasting settlement. The European Union calls on both parties to demonstrate urgently an active commitment to the search for a negotiated two-State solution. The European Union supports the central role of the Quartet in that process.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Malaysia.

Mr. Hamidon (Malaysia)

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the Non-Aligned Movement. My statement should be read in conjunction with the statements of the Movement that I have transmitted to you, Mr. President, concerning the situation in the occupied Palestinian territory and Lebanon dated 6 July 2006 (S/2006/491, annex) and 19 July 2006 (S/2006/548, annex), respectively.

Our positions on the situation in the region, as set out in this Chamber on many occasions and as contained in the two statements just mentioned, are clear and consistent. The Movement reaffirms those positions and calls on members of the Council to consider them seriously during the ensuing deliberations. I shall not repeat them here. I believe that the members of the Council could better use the time at their disposal to deliberate on practical measures to end the crisis currently enveloping the region, as well as to facilitate efforts to end the occupation by Israel of the Palestinian territories, thereby achieving a just, lasting and comprehensive solution in the Middle East, which should be the overarching framework in this regard.

The Non-Aligned Movement is gravely concerned about the deteriorating situation and the escalation of violence in the Middle East, particularly in the occupied Palestinian territory and in Lebanon. We condemn all acts of terror, violence and destruction. We condemn attacks against civilians and civilian property and infrastructure and deplore the resulting death and destruction. We condemn the abduction and detention of cabinet ministers, government officials, soldiers and other individuals, and we demand their immediate and unconditional release.

Innocent human beings, including infants and children, in the occupied Palestinian territory, Lebanon and Israel are dying and suffering even as we speak in this Chamber. The life of each human being is sacred and must be protected. We realize that no matter how much condemnation there is against anyone and no matter how much we deplore death and destruction, that will not in itself bring an end to the violence, hostilities and casualties in the region. We recognize that the solution could be achieved through the Council and by the parties in the Middle East.

The Non-Aligned Movement appeals to the Council to take decisive action without delay. The barbaric and senseless killings and total madness in the Middle East must be halted immediately. This Council holds the key to peace, security and tranquility in the region. Delay in taking action will result in more death and destruction. Concrete proposals, old and new, including those by Secretary-General Kofi Annan, that would enable the Council to act are before each and every one of you -- representatives of States, members of this august body -- for consideration. We need not remind you of your duties and responsibilities. You know exactly what they are and what needs to be done, and you must do that now in order to save the lives of other human beings and, equally important, in order to avoid catastrophic consequences in the region.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Switzerland.

Mr. Maurer (Switzerland)

Let me begin by thanking you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to present Switzerland's view on the current crisis affecting the Middle East. If my oral statement appears limited, as requested at the beginning of the meeting, I refer Council members to the written text.

Switzerland attaches the greatest importance to respect for international humanitarian law and human rights law. It has repeatedly reminded the parties concerned of their obligations in that respect and will continue to work in that direction. Respect for the law is not a matter for negotiation, nor is it subject to principles of reciprocity. The effects of the violations now being committed in the Middle East can be measured in terms of death, injury and destruction. Those acts also impede humanitarian action.

Switzerland reminds the parties to the conflict that international humanitarian law prohibits attacks on civilians who are not directly participating in hostilities, as well as attacks on civilian property. It reminds the parties of their obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants and between civilian and military infrastructure, to take all the necessary precautions to preserve the lives of civilians and to avoid damaging civilian property, to respect the principle of proportionality in all military operations, and to refrain from any form of collective punishment against the population.

The personnel, installations and vehicles bearing emblems recognized by the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols are protected by international humanitarian law and must be respected in all circumstances. The parties to the conflict are obliged to authorize and facilitate the rapid passage of all humanitarian aid and to take all practical and possible precautions to avoid attacking them.

In view of the magnitude of the political and humanitarian crisis, the international community has a responsibility to act, and Switzerland hopes that the Security Council is in a position to take such action.

Switzerland supports the efforts of the United Nations and the special good offices mission conducted by Mr. Nambiar and his colleagues. In that context, I would also like to commend the Secretary-General for his judicious suggestions with regard to the establishment of a sustainable ceasefire. My country hopes that the Council will seriously consider the proposals and act swiftly upon them.

Switzerland condemns all acts of violence, provocation and terrorism. There is no doubt that Israel has the right to protect its territory and its population against such acts committed by Hizbollah. Nevertheless, in the light of law and the facts, Switzerland considers the reaction of Israeli armed forces in Lebanon to be clearly disproportionate. The repeated air strikes of recent days against civilian targets are a serious violation of international humanitarian law. The indiscriminate firing of rockets by Hizbollah against population centres in Israel also seriously violates the rules of international humanitarian law.

It is also important to underscore that the situation in Lebanon must not cause the international community to lose sight of the scale of the humanitarian, economic and social crisis in the occupied Palestinian territory, especially in Gaza. In that context, under international humanitarian law it is incumbent upon Israel, as the occupying Power, to meet the basic needs of the Palestinian civilian population and facilitate the rapid, secure and unimpeded passage of equipment and aid personnel.

In order to respond to the crisis in Lebanon, Switzerland would like to stress three proposals.

First, we call upon the parties to the conflict to establish an immediate ceasefire. A ceasefire is necessary, given the serious and steadily deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon.

Secondly, we call for the establishment of humanitarian corridors to make it possible to provide full and unrestricted access to victims. We must ensure that access to basic goods and services is ensured. Supplies of water and electricity are becoming precarious. Such humanitarian corridors between Beirut and southern Lebanon, between Beirut and Cyprus and between southern Lebanon and Cyprus, as well as between northern Israel and southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, would guarantee safe and unimpeded access to humanitarian personnel and goods. They would also enable the transport of injured and sick persons to hospitals and the evacuation of civilians from combat zones.

Thirdly, Switzerland supports the proposal for the deployment of an international security and monitoring force to southern Lebanon. In order to respond effectively to the present crisis, such a mission would need to have a mandate to guarantee a ceasefire, secure the Israeli-Lebanese border and facilitate, by its presence, a negotiated settlement of territorial disputes. Such an international security and monitoring force could also temporarily take control of the Sheba'a farms area while a settlement of that territorial disagreement is awaited and in order to reduce tensions resulting from it. The force should also make it possible to contribute to the implementation of resolutions 1559 (2004) and 1680 (2006), in particular as regards the disarmament of all militias.

As highlighted by the Secretary-General, the establishment of an international force should be supplemented by a set of political and security measures that would ensure that the ceasefire is sustainable and that the situation does not relapse into the status quo ante.

Switzerland welcomes the efforts of all actors who are working to resolve the current crisis. However, it is imperative not just to manage the crisis but to find a real solution for all the unresolved conflicts in the Middle East. The crisis in Lebanon, like that in the Palestinian occupied territory, cannot be viewed solely from the perspective of terrorism and counter-terrorism. A comprehensive approach to settle the totality of Israeli-Arab and Israeli-Palestinian conflicts is required.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Brazil.

Mr. Sardenberg (Brazil)

It is with deep sorrow that we are once again witnessing the escalation of violence in the Middle East. The spiralling and unchecked use of force that started in Gaza has reached Lebanon. The conflict, which is deplorable per se, is now characterized by a rapidly growing use of indiscriminate force. Brazil strongly condemns the attacks perpetrated by Hizbollah, initiated by the kidnapping of two military personnel. Those attacks have killed or wounded several military and civilian persons in northern Israel. We also condemn the attacks carried out in Gaza. No cause or grievance justifies terrorism, which we firmly repudiate.

Brazil reiterates the provisions of resolution 1559 (2004), which calls for the dismantling and disarmament of all militias in Lebanon. Although we recognize Israel's right to self-defence, we are of the view that Israel should act with utmost restraint in order to avoid further civilian casualties and damage, which are likely to spur a new cycle of violence, causing more victims. Such restraint will be the key to any solution to the present crisis.

Brazil condemns the disproportionate use of force that has resulted in the loss of innocent lives and heavy damage to the Lebanese and Palestinian infrastructure, in flagrant violation of the most basic principles of international humanitarian law. All forces in the conflict should allow humanitarian assistance to immediately reach the affected population.

At least seven Brazilian nationals, including three children, perished as a consequence of the Israeli military incursions into southern Lebanon. The Government of Brazil has already extended its condolences to all the victims in Lebanon and their families. We are arranging for the evacuation of a large number of Brazilian nationals. I should note that many thousands of Brazilians currently live in the affected regions.

Peace can be attained only by the resumption of a diplomatic process involving all interested parties. The Government of Brazil supports the efforts undertaken by the United Nations to achieve a ceasefire and the release of the abducted Israeli soldiers. We believe that the diplomatic and humanitarian initiatives currently being undertaken by Secretary-General Kofi Annan must be seriously considered by the Security Council with a view to obtaining an immediate cessation of hostilities and establishing conditions for achieving a durable solution to the crisis.

Through the Security Council, the international community must urgently fulfil its responsibilities and take immediate action to prevent a further escalation of the conflict. A lack of action by the Council in such a flagrant case threatening international peace and security would only contribute to weakening its credibility.

Brazil is convinced that stability ultimately depends upon the achievement of a just, lasting and comprehensive settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict in all its aspects. Unilateral and other types of non-negotiated solutions are not likely to bring about peace, but only precarious truces that are broken in bloody conflicts such as the one we are witnessing today. The international community must not remain passive before the deterioration of the conflict and the destruction of Lebanon as a viable nation.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Shobokshi (Saudi Arabia)

At the outset, I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council and to wish you every success. We are convinced that, given your wisdom, qualities and abilities, you will guide the work of the Council to a successful conclusion. I should also like to thank your predecessor, the Permanent Representative of Denmark, for her wise and brilliant leadership of the Council in the month of June.

I would also like to thank you, Sir, for convening this public meeting of the Council to once again consider the serious situation engulfing the occupied Palestinian territories and Lebanon as a result of the actions of the Israeli Government, its aggression, its intransigence and its insistence on continuing a policy that has led to much damage and destruction and has produced many dead, wounded and displaced persons.

Yesterday we heard a briefing by the Secretary-General that focused on the need to end the aggression. We appreciate his efforts and those of his staff to bring about peace and security. We agree with the briefing on the need to have the international community assume its role with courage and creativity in order to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian issue and also settle the root causes of the conflict in the region, namely, the lack of comprehensive and just peace.

No one would doubt Israel's ability and skills at slapping together a pretext to justify pursuing its aggression and to cover its tracks, create chaos and expose the region to greater disruption and tension. This all-out war pursued by Israel against Lebanon and, earlier, against Gaza cannot be justified by Israel's pretext. It is regrettable that, despite what has taken place in Lebanon -- planned destruction, premeditated killings and planned sabotage -- the Security Council has not yet found enough reasons to intervene, while its responsibility is to maintain international peace and security.

Today's international relations are in a very dangerous state because of the primacy of the concept of use of force over law and human values and custom. That has taken us further from the rules of justice and equity and has enshrined a double-standard policy in political positions. It has also undermined the rules of international law in an effort to erroneously justify the legitimate right to self-defence that is set forth in the United Nations Charter. This runs contrary to the opinions of the International Court of Justice with respect to the basis of the legitimate right to self-defence and the conditions that justify such right. This principle is enshrined in international law, but it has been converted into an instrument to justify the aggression pursued by the Government of Israel.

International disputes such as this one can be resolved not by sending in armies or firing rockets or bombing from the air, but instead by a commitment to implement the provisions of international law and the principles of justice and equity. It is urgent to end the illusion and arrogance of military power, of barbarous oppression, targeted killings and collective punishment in violation of international law and humanitarian norms and values.

History will not pardon the international community for its failure to ensure justice for the Palestinian people and the people of Lebanon, for leaving any solutions to the conditions set by Israel and for erroneous arguments and pretexts put forward, and leaving the task to Israel to create peace as it sees it and according to its positions -- not peace that is based on international law. This is not peace; it is surrender. Failure to use the criteria of justice, the passivity of the Council and its failure to assume its duties and responsibilities have allowed for the ongoing Israeli occupation and the expansion of Israeli settlements. Those failures have also allowed for addressing the Middle East question on the basis of Israeli interests.

All of this continues to be the very reason for the failure of the peace process in the past and in the present. The imbalances and biases with respect to the Israeli State and the failure to implement the road map set by the influential Powers and the Arab peace initiative have killed the peace process in the past and will kill it in future phases. Meetings and conferences, statements and promises are all in vain if they are aimed at just pretending to implement something without addressing the root causes, namely, occupation and repeated aggression by Israel against civilians and the destruction of their property and livelihoods.

Saudi Arabia condemns the war pursued by Israel and its premeditated and repeated destruction and its unlimited violations of human rights, with the express purpose of inflicting suffering on civilians without any regard for international law or human considerations.

We issue a warning to the international community of the seriousness of the situation in the region and the fact that it is sliding towards a climate of war and a new circle of violence whose results will be difficult to predict, particularly given the failure of international action and of Israel's aggressive policies.

Israel must bear responsibility for its barbaric acts and must undertake to compensate Lebanon for serious material damage caused by its aggression. This barbaric war is an extension of policies of occupation and hegemony as pursued by Israel in the region.

Saudi Arabia firmly supports the Government of Lebanon and supports its efforts to uphold the interests and the sovereignty and independence of Lebanon, as well as its efforts to extend its authority throughout its territory.

Our Kingdom also supports the Palestinian Authority in its efforts to control the situation and to uphold the unity of Palestine. Based on Saudi Arabia's position of principle -- solidarity with the legitimate national regimes of brotherly Lebanon and of occupied Palestine -- we call upon the international community to shoulder its legal and humanitarian responsibilities, in order to put an end to the condemnable Israeli aggression, to protect the Lebanese people and their infrastructures and to support the efforts of the legitimate Government of Lebanon that are aimed at protecting the independence and sovereignty of Lebanon and its people and at extending its authority throughout the national territory.

We also call for an end to the blockade imposed by Israel against the Palestinian people. We need to support the efforts of the National Authority to achieve their unity within the framework of national dialogue.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Algeria.

Mr. Yousfi (Algeria)

First, I would like to thank you, Mr. President, for having convened this meeting, which has been called for so many times by the majority of the United Nations family, who are concerned at the dramatic worsening of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and in Lebanon. For the second consecutive week Lebanon has been subjected to intense bombardments, the victims being the civilian population, which are causing massive destruction to the basic infrastructure so vital for the functioning of the country.

I would also like to thank the Secretary-General for his presentation yesterday to the Security Council and say here that my country takes note of the proposals to put an end to the crisis that he detailed. We share the concerns with regard to the alarming humanitarian situation following the Israeli aggression against Lebanon.

Algeria is following with the deepest concern the developments of the tragic events in the Middle East. We robustly condemn the blind attacks by the Israeli army on the Palestinian and Lebanese peoples. The incidents that appear to be at the origin of the new aggression cannot justify or explain the collective punishment that Israel, by flouting the rules of international law and international humanitarian law, is inflicting today on a sovereign State and on its innocent civilian population.

Algeria calls upon the international community to end its silence, to abandon the complicit silence in which it has taken refuge since the start of the recent dramatic events in the region, and to unreservedly condemn the Israeli aggression and impose an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in order to find a peaceful, just and lasting solution to the crisis in the Middle East.

In particular, we call upon the Security Council to assume its responsibilities under the Charter and to respond without delay to Lebanon's request for a ceasefire and for the lifting of the blockade imposed by Israel on the air and sea borders of the country so that the Lebanese Government can extend its authority throughout the country and recover all of its territory, including the Sheba'a farms, and implement the 1949 armistice, as reaffirmed in the inter-Lebanese Taif Agreement.

We also express grave concern about the deterioration of the humanitarian situation following the attacks by the Israeli army, and we appeal to the international donor community for a massive and generous response to the distress call by the Lebanese Government to relieve the suffering of the people, who are so sorely tried.

The tragic situation in Lebanon -- like the repression, behind closed doors, in the occupied Palestinian territories -- shows us more clearly than anything else could the urgent need for a comprehensive, just and lasting solution to the Palestinian question, which remains at the core of the upheavals that have beset the region for decades.

Unless one wants to make entire peoples disappear from the face of the Earth, legitimate resistance to occupation will not go away as long as the causes that have given rise to it are not eliminated. The pretext of fighting terrorism through the pure and simple recourse to State terrorism that is now being employed against Lebanon and its people will probably have effects opposite to what is sought. There is no doubt that the resistance will emerge from the new acts of aggression and the massacres being committed with even more determination. Rather than melting away, the resistance will simply grow in the face of the Israeli occupation of Arab lands and the blind repression that is being systematically carried out.

In addition to its disproportionate response and the excessive use of force against the innocent population and vital civil infrastructure of Lebanon, Israel is making thinly veiled threats against other countries, raising the spectre of a conflagration in the entire region of the Middle East. The dubious pretexts that have now practically put an end to a peace process that had shown such promise must not once again fool the international community and cause it to succumb to the temptation to allow Israel to continue its new enterprise. It is up to the Security Council to assume its full responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security and to oppose attempts by certain countries that wish to impose their own vision of peace on neighbours that unfortunately have made the mistake of being weak.

In conclusion, I reaffirm my country's position that a comprehensive, just and lasting peace is one indivisible whole that cannot be achieved without Israel's total withdrawal from occupied Arab territories. A just and lasting solution to the conflict in the Middle East must be based on the Arab peace initiative adopted at the Beirut Summit, on respect for resolutions 242 (1967) and 338 (1973), 1397 (2002) and 1515 (2003) and on the principle of land for peace.

The President

The next speaker on my list is the representative of Egypt, to whom I give the floor.

Mr. Abdelaziz (Egypt)

Although today's meeting is being held within the framework of the periodic review of the situation in the Middle East, in particular the occupied Palestinian territories, it has particular significance, as it is being held at a critical time for the Middle East -- a time of tragic violent incidents from which innocent civilians are suffering. The gravity of the situation is intensifying daily.

The current source of threat and tension is not only the continuous military operations by Israeli forces in Palestine and Lebanon -- the region has witnessed more violent wars in the past. The real problem is the feelings of frustration among the Arab peoples vis-à-vis the feeble positions taken by the Security Council in the face of these repeated Israeli aggressions, which seek to achieve long-term strategic goals through military force, in total contradiction with what all of us here -- including, I would hope, the permanent members of the Security Council -- are striving for: a comprehensive and sustainable peace through negotiation, based on justice, equality and mutual interests.

The core issue is not the capture of one Israeli soldier in Gaza, or two others in Lebanon, but the continued occupation by Israel of Arab lands in Palestine, Lebanon and Syria since 1967, as well as its determined effort to change the facts on the ground in a manner that does away with any opportunity for the Arab parties to regain their legitimate rights to their usurped occupied lands. That is the issue that the Security Council has completely failed to address, despite numerous Council resolutions confirming that the only solution to the vicious circle of violence and counter-violence is to put an end to the Israeli occupation of Arab lands.

In this context, it must be made clear that Arab States have accepted mediation efforts outside the scope of the United Nations, as a way to bridge the differences in opinion, with the aim of reaching a just peace that responds to the interests of both the Arabs and the Israelis. That does not in any way imply that the Council or any of its permanent members should relinquish their responsibility towards the Middle East peace process as an issue that affects and poses a threat to international peace and security, including violence against civilians. The Council has held meeting after meeting on the protection of civilians and of children in armed conflict. Indeed, it is planning to hold another meeting on the subject on Monday.

It is regrettable, therefore, that the Council has failed to provide a minimal level of concrete protection to civilians and children in Palestine and Lebanon only, among other conflict areas all over the world. This raises questions about the supposed link between the Council's theoretical discussions on these issues and its ability to address them on the ground.

Egypt has worked over the past years with various parties to prevent escalation and to achieve peace, focusing on diplomacy to contain repeated threats in the region. Egypt will continue those efforts, whether between the Israelis and Palestinians, or between Israel and Lebanon, with a view to achieving an immediate ceasefire that opens the door for a comprehensive political settlement.

In this context, we have closely followed the ongoing consultations in the Security Council concerning the elements that the Secretary-General proposed yesterday, 20 July, as a potential basis for a settlement. However, Egypt believes that any negotiations on a settlement requires a firm decision by the Council today for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire on both the Palestinian and Lebanese fronts.

At the same time, the Council must address, as quickly as possible, the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza, in addition to responding to Lebanon's call for relief and for the lifting of the land and sea blockade imposed on it by Israel, and to allow Lebanon to receive the much-needed humanitarian assistance.

Once this is done, it will be possible to negotiate some of the elements that can constitute a basis for temporary arrangements between the parties concerned, including the exchange of prisoners and detainees, asserting Lebanese sovereignty over all its territories, thus allowing it to implement the Armistice Agreement of 1949 and the Taif Agreement, in addition to Israel's acknowledgment of its own responsibility for the destruction that it has inflicted on Palestine and Lebanon, and its responsibility to provide compensation for such damages. All these elements should be a prelude to commencing the final status negotiations on all tracks, as quickly as possible, under the auspices of the United Nations, and in accordance with a plan of action to be elaborated and monitored by this international Organization as an honest and trusted broker, one entrusted with fully implementing the relevant resolutions of the international community related to the settlement of the conflict, particularly resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 425 (1978), 1515 (2003) and the principle of land for peace.

The current situation places additional responsibility on the Council, not just in terms of expressing sympathy for the victims, condemning the targeting of civilians and infrastructure, or providing humanitarian assistance, but also in terms of resolving the key problem, which generates one crisis after another. This is to be achieved by ending the continued Israeli occupation of Arab lands in Palestine, Syria and Lebanon.

Today's crisis is yet another test for the Council and its role in the region. We believe in the Council's ability to succeed in the face of this challenge and to assume its responsibilities in achieving peace and security in the Middle East through undertaking credible measures leading to the end of the Israeli occupation and the achievement of a comprehensive peace -- a peace that will guarantee all countries of the region the security and stability for which they strive.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Norway.

Ms. Enge (Norway)

Norway calls for an urgent cessation of hostilities.

Hizbollah must cease its armed attacks and return the abducted Israeli soldiers immediately.

While we recognize Israel's inherent right to self-defence, we believe that all use of armed force must satisfy requirements of necessity as well as proportionality. It is imperative that the civilian population be protected in accordance with international humanitarian law. The indiscriminate and excessive use of force is prohibited.

Norway urges Israel not to resort to disproportionate action. We must prevent the violence and conflict from expanding into neighbouring areas.

We call on the parties to end hostilities immediately and to take all necessary measures to protect the population from the consequences of war. Civilians must be protected and given safe passage. Moreover, humanitarian and relief workers must be given unrestricted and safe access, both for themselves and for relief supplies. All protected persons who desire to leave the areas concerned, including foreign nationals, shall be entitled to do so in accordance with international law.

A peaceful solution to the situation in the Middle East cannot be found through military action. Only a political process and negotiations involving all parties can yield a comprehensive and lasting peace. What is needed is that the parties return to the negotiating table as soon as possible. This is the only place where a lasting solution may be found. We fully support the efforts of the Secretary-General and call for active and urgent Security Council efforts in this regard.

Norway expresses its full and undiminished support for Prime Minister Fouad Siniora of Lebanon and calls on all parties to respect the political and territorial independence of Lebanon.

We remain deeply concerned about the continued deteriorating situation in Gaza. Israel's attacks on vital infrastructure constitute a form of collective punishment that is unacceptable.

It is obvious that the humanitarian needs are enormous. Norway is deeply concerned by the swiftly deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Middle East. In accordance with the assessment given by the Secretary-General in his statement to the Council yesterday, the lives of more than 500,000 people in Lebanon are being directly affected by the military operations.

Norway stands ready to respond substantially, and the Norwegian Government has decided to allocate $30 million in humanitarian assistance to the region. The Norwegian contribution will be channelled through non-governmental organizations and the United Nations.

The President

I now give the floor to the representative of Jordan.

Prince Al-Hussein (Jordan)

Mr. President, at the outset, I wish to congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for this month and to extend my appreciation to your predecessor for her efforts in administering the work of the Council during the month of June.

We are gravely concerned at the dangerous escalation in our region as a result of the engagement between Israeli forces and Hizbollah that quickly escalated throughout the past week, resulting, as is usual in such circumstances, in civilian casualties. I wish to reiterate the Jordanian Government's clear position in condemning the practice of violence and the killing of civilians, whoever they may be.

The Government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan strongly condemns the Israeli aggression against Lebanon, its use of force and actions outside the scope of international law, leading to the loss of innocent lives and the destruction of civil institutions and infrastructure in Lebanon. What is taking place in Lebanon runs counter to our vision of a region living in peace and prospering as a result of reform efforts and democratic processes. The region, as we see it today, is, unfortunately, headed towards destruction. Indeed, the region will suffer significant strategic losses as a result of disproportionate Israeli military operations in Lebanon and the occupied Palestinian territories -- actions in blatant, grave violation of the provisions of international law -- but also as a result of the positions of some radical groups that run contrary to our vision of peace. Those groups have chosen to advocate and promote violence and escalation rather than align themselves with the track initiated in Madrid in 1990 -- a peace process that we all have been working so hard to maintain over the past years so that peace could be enjoyed by all the peoples of the region. Clearly, they chose violence and escalation over contributing to the building of a sustainable peace.

A decision to go to war is not taken by a faction or a group. Legitimate Governments should act responsibly and in accordance with international law and international legitimacy. In this context, I wish to reaffirm Jordan's position in supporting Lebanon's unity and enabling the Lebanese Government to exercise full sovereignty over all of its territory.

The Jordanian Government views these dangerous developments with grave concern. My Government warns against taking any measures that could undermine Lebanon or its sovereignty and which could lead to unforeseen results. Accordingly, Jordan calls on the Security Council to fulfil its responsibilities to stop this dangerous escalation. It calls on all parties to de-escalate and to take rational and responsible steps to prevent any further aggravation of the situation, and it also calls on all parties within and neighbouring the Middle East region to cease any other provocative activities.

I wish, on behalf of the Jordanian Government, to express our gratitude to the Secretary-General for his efforts to resolve this crisis.

The situation in the occupied Palestinian territories is continuing to deteriorate due to the continuing excessive military operations by the occupying Israeli forces in Gaza and in various areas of the West Bank, which lead, on a daily basis, to the death of innocent Palestinian civilians. I reiterate my Government's condemnation of Israel's continued widespread military operations in the occupied Palestinian territories and of the use of collective punishment that Israel imposes on the Palestinian people. This has caused a serious humanitarian crisis that threatens also to cause a security catastrophe in the Palestinian occupied territories.

We call on both sides, Israeli and Palestinian, to respect all signed agreements reached between them, including the understandings reached at Sharm el-Sheikh. We call on them to put an end to all measures that could further escalate and aggravate the si