Statement by H.E. Gary Quinlan, Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations Security Council open debate regarding the Situation in the Middle East, delivered on 14 October 2009.
(as delivered)
Mr President
Thank you for the opportunity to speak in this second open debate of your Presidency. We appreciate very much the opportunity to contribute to the Council’s consideration of such vital matters in this way.
I'd like to thank Under-Secretary-General Pascoe also for his briefing this morning. I welcome the participation in the debate of Foreign Minister Al-Malki.
Many countries today have spoken about the conflict in Gaza and southern Israel in December and January. We spoke in this Council during that conflict. We were deeply saddened by the tragic events. Australia supports Israel's right to self-defence, and supports this strongly. Rocket attacks must cease. This does not alter, however, our fundamental concern at the humanitarian situation of the civilians of Gaza - before, during and after the conflict. We called on parties during the conflict to avoid actions which caused unnecessary suffering to civilians. And we call on the parties now to act to prevent the continuing humanitarian crisis. A situation that is unacceptable. We call for border controls to be eased. Equally, arms smuggling must stop.
During the conflict, Australia said consistently all parties had to do everything they could to ensure civilian casualties were avoided. Australia also made it clear at the time and since that it supported a proper investigation of any allegations of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.
It is crucial that those matters are dealt with seriously and carefully. For this reason, Australia again calls on the parties to undertake the proper investigation of the allegations that have been made of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. We outlined in Geneva on 29 September our preference that consideration of the Fact-Finding Mission Report remain within the Human Rights Council, to allow the parties time to pursue those investigations.
Mr President
The ineluctable lesson that must be drawn from the Gaza conflict is that a lasting resolution of the Israel-Palestinian dispute can only be brought about through peaceful means. All efforts to secure a just and enduring peace in the Middle East must be pursued as a matter of compelling urgency.
Australia’s long-standing position is that peace between Israel and the Palestinians has to be predicated on a two-state solution, where both Israelis and Palestinians can exist in peace and security, within their own defined borders.
The parties must honour the agreements they have already entered into, including the Roadmap for Peace. Israel must halt settlement activity and work to normalise the day-to-day life of Palestinians. In turn, the Palestinians must continue to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and to halt violence and incitement.
We commend US efforts – and the commitment of President Obama and his team.
We call on the parties to resume negotiations urgently.
The ongoing positive engagement of the broader international community, including the Quartet members and the countries of the region is clearly also essential. As we have said previously, we recognise and value the importance of the Arab peace initiative.
Mr President
Australia also supports ongoing efforts to establish reconciliation between the Palestinian parties. However, we reiterate that any representative body of the Palestinian people must meet the Quartet principles of renouncing violence, recognising the state of Israel, and abiding by previous agreements.
We welcome recent evidence that kidnapped Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, is alive. His situation is unacceptable, and he should be immediately and unconditionally released.
In conclusion, Mr President, Australia strongly supports the peace process, and is contributing to the development of Palestinian institutions as well as providing humanitarian assistance.
Since late 2007, we have given more than $75 million in development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian Territories, including $30 million since the Gaza conflict. We will continue to provide a high level of support.
We urge all parties to work towards a just and enduring resolution of this terrible conflict. And we stand ready to continue to provide what help we can to support such an outcome.
Thank you Mr President.