Statement by H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Australian Mission to the General Assembly on the follow up resolution on the Goldstone Report, delivered on 26 February 2010.
(as delivered)
Australia was deeply saddened by the tragic events of December 2008 – January 2009 in the Gaza Strip and southern Israel. As we have made clear a number of times in the General Assembly, the Security Council and the Human Rights Council, Australia supports the proper investigation of allegations of violations of human rights and international humanitarian law during that conflict.
We voted against Resolution 64/10 last November because of a number of concerns arising from the language of that text and the flawed nature of the Goldstone Report that the resolution was based on.
We have decided to abstain on today’s resolution because we recognise that it reflects genuine efforts to overcome differences, and because it concentrates on the need for the investigations arising from the Gaza conflict which are essential.
Our vote on today’s resolution, however, does not change the continuing concerns we hold about the lack of balance in, the scope of, and the recommendations of the Goldstone Report. Nor our strong preference that the parties be allowed sufficient time to pursue their own investigations.
We believe it is vital that discussions relating to the Goldstone Report remain constructive. It is important to work to bring the parties together rather than drive them apart through unhelpful rhetoric or actions.
We also believe that now is not the time to convene a conference of the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention. Doing so would result in a politicised debate, which would be counter-productive to peace efforts.
Indeed, Australia firmly believes that the current situation of ongoing conflict, insecurity and uncertainty is neither acceptable nor in the interests of Israel, the Palestinians, the Middle East region or the broader international community.
We urge the parties to resume peace negotiations as a matter of compelling urgency.