Statement by H E The Hon Robert Hill, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations, to the plenary of the United Nations General Assembly on the Situation in the Middle East
20 November 2008
(As delivered)
Mr President
I am pleased to speak today on this important topic on the situation in the Middle East. My Foreign Minister, Mr Stephen Smith, recently met with the Israeli and the Palestinian leadership to reaffirm the Australian Government’s strong commitment to the Middle East peace process. In Israel and the Palestinian Territories, he heard from both sides of their strong commitment to peace, and to continuing the negotiations begun at Annapolis last year.
Just as in 1947, when Australia supported the proposed establishment of separate Jewish and Palestinian states, Australia is committed today to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Australia wants Israel’s people to be able to enjoy the fruits of a normal, peaceful existence, within a Middle East that recognises its right to live in peace within secure and internationally recognised boundaries. And we want to see Palestinians realise their right to an independent, democratic and viable Palestinian state and to live also in peace and security.
At last year’s Annapolis Conference, the Israeli and Palestinian leadership commenced upon a path of negotiations which holds the promise of a just and lasting settlement. Australia recognises and applauds the parties’ resolve to work cooperatively in a meaningful and substantive dialogue over the last year. We particularly welcome the commitment the parties gave to the Quartet on 9 November to “vigorous, ongoing and continuous negotiations in order to conclude a peace treaty resolving all outstanding issues”.
Mr President
Australia strongly supports the efforts of the UN to promote Middle East peace. We commend the Quartet for the assistance it has provided the parties in their bilateral negotiations. But as the Quartet reaffirmed in Sharm el Sheikh on 9 November, it is incumbent on us all to help the parties to the dispute to seize the opportunities now at hand.
Australia wants to play our part. In December last year, Australia announced that we would double our aid program to the Palestinian Territories for 2008. An important, and long-standing, part of this contribution assists the UN Relief and Works Agency. Australia is proud to be on the advisory board for UNRWA, and we commend the valuable humanitarian work it undertakes every day in support of Palestinian people.
We also recognise that a viable Palestinian state will require strong and effective institutions. We commend the efforts of the Palestinian Authority to strengthening its political and security institutions, and remain committed to supporting them. During his visit, Australia’s Minister for Foreign Affairs announced a further contribution of $7.5 million to the Palestinian Reform and Development Plan.
Australia will also continue to provide practical support to the peace process, including through our long-standing contribution to the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation and other peace-keeping operations in the region.
Mr President
For our part, Australia welcomes the renewed commitment of the parties outlined in Sharm El Sheikh to implement their respective obligations under the Roadmap for Peace. By fulfilling these obligations, both sides can create the conditions necessary to achieve real progress.
The Palestinian leadership must fight terrorism and foster an atmosphere of tolerance to bring Palestinian violence against Israel to an end. Equally, Israel should build confidence by ceasing settlement activity. Both sides must respect human rights and international law, and do everything possible to protect civilians.
Mr President
Australia recognises the importance of the Arab Peace Initiative, first proposed by His Majesty King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, as a basis for discussions on a comprehensive peace between Israel and its neighbours. We welcome the renewed interest in this initiative. We commend the positive role Egypt has played, including in brokering a ceasefire in Gaza. We also welcome Turkey’s efforts in facilitating indirect talks between Israel and Syria – an important element of a broader peace.
These efforts stand in stark contrast to those who continue to undermine the peace process through terrorism, extremism and intolerance. Hamas, in its violent takeover of Gaza, its rejection of Quartet principles and its refusal to recognise Israel, does nothing to assist the Palestinian people.
We also call on Hamas to release unconditionally Gilad Shalit without further delay.
Mr President
In relation to Lebanon, Australia welcomed the Doha Agreement in May, which represented a commitment by Lebanese leaders to addressing political differences through dialogue, not violence. The election of President Suleiman was an important, positive step, as was the adoption of a law paving the way for elections in 2009. Australia will remain firm in our support for the sovereignty, political independence and unity of the Lebanese state. We reiterate our call for Hezbollah to reject terrorism and disarm, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 1559.
Australia also welcomes Syria’s decision to establish diplomatic relations with Lebanon, and to undertake indirect peace talks with Israel. But Australia remains concerned by information indicating undeclared nuclear activities in Syria, and urges Syria to provide maximum cooperation and transparency to the IAEA to allow it to complete its assessment.
Sadly, from Iran, we are not seeing any positive signals. It, too, is important in achieving a stable and peaceful Middle East. But all evidence is that Iran is being seriously unhelpful to this goal. The repeated, and appalling, anti-Semitic rhetoric of the Iranian President, including at UNGA on 27 September; the assisting of terrorist organisations directly targeting Israel; and its failure to comply fully with its IAEA obligations and Security Council resolutions all demonstrate this fact. We urge a change of direction from Iran, to stop being unhelpful to the pursuit of peace in the Middle East.
Mr President
In conclusion, both the Israelis and Palestinians have asked the international community to support their efforts, by promoting an environment conducive to peace, non-violence and the two-state solution. The Quartet has called on all of us to provide diplomatic and political support, and assist in building the institutions necessary for a future Palestinian state.
Australia will answer those calls.