Statement by H.E. Mr Gary Quinlan, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations Security Council on the situation in the Middle East. As delivered 29 November 2010.
Mr President
As we all know, the Middle East has - for far too long - been subject to conflict. For too long, the peoples of this region have been unable to lead their lives in anything approaching peace and security.
That should be an unbearable judgement on all of us.
This situation must change. An historic opportunity does exist right now – for both sides in this conflict.
Any lasting peace can, of course, only be brought about through peaceful means. A just and enduring peace between Israel and the Palestinians must be predicated on a two-state solution: a viable and secure state for the Palestinians; and a peaceful and secure state for Israelis, within defined borders.
To achieve this, much of course must be done. There have already been unnecessary delays. Israel’s decision in September not to extend its settlement moratorium did not help the peace process. We are encouraged by reports that Israel is considering a further moratorium on settlement construction in the West Bank. We urge it to do so. A freeze on settlement activity would – unquestionably - assist peace efforts.
Australia’s strong position remains that Israel and the Palestinians both need to meet their respective obligations under the Roadmap for Middle East Peace.
We commend the efforts made by the United States. We urge all parties to begin negotiations as soon as possible, addressing final status issues – including the status of Jerusalem and settlements. And we call for parties not to undertake any unilateral actions which seek to predetermine the outcome of those negotiations.
The positive engagement of the broader international community, including the Quartet members and the countries of the region, is also essential. This is why Australia has welcomed the Arab Peace Initiative as a constructive contribution towards a comprehensive peace.
Australia unambiguously supports Israel’s sovereign right to exist within secure and internationally recognised boundaries. We support Israel’s right to self defence, including in the face of Hamas’ rocket attacks into southern Israel. Terrorism should be condemned wherever it occurs, and it is unfortunate that some here do not.
However – Mr President - our support to the principle of self-defence does not alter our continuing fundamental concern about the humanitarian situation of the people of Gaza.
While we welcome the recent steps that Israel has taken to ease its restrictions on goods entering Gaza, it must do more to help increase the flow of necessary goods and supplies. We have spoken elsewhere of our concern that schools in Gaza have not been able to open, and that there are UN organisations still facing difficulties getting goods into Gaza for their work.
The situation in Gaza remains serious. It must be addressed. We again call on parties to act urgently to alleviate what is an unacceptable humanitarian situation.
We support those who are standing strongly against those offering the false hope of confrontation, violence and terrorism. Hamas’ continuing rejection of the Quartet principles and its refusal to recognise Israel is a major obstacle to peace. We call on Hamas to release unconditionally Gilad Shalit without delay.
Mr President
One way Australia itself is demonstrating its commitment to the peace process is by contributing to the development of Palestinian institutions as well as providing humanitarian assistance. Since late 2007, Australia has donated more than $146 million in development and humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian Territories.
On the humanitarian side, a long-standing part of Australia’s contribution to peace is through assistance to the UN Relief and Works Agency, to which we have provided more than $88 million since 2001. The Australian Foreign Minister will visit the region in coming weeks, and will have more to state about Australia’s ongoing strong support to the agency.
Of course, the ultimate improvement to the day-to-day life and prospects of Palestinian refugees across the region will only come through a just and enduring peace.
In regard to Lebanon, we have been concerned at recent rhetoric. Australia will remain firm in our support for the sovereignty, political independence and unity of the Lebanese state and its people.
The Special Tribunal’s independence as an international judicial instrument needs to be respected. It should be allowed to complete its important work. We reiterate our call for Hizballah to disarm, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1559. It should not seek to intimidate other Lebanese, undermine Lebanese state institutions, or threaten regional peace and security.
We welcome Israel’s in-principle announcement to withdraw from the northern part of Ghajar. We call for the full implementation by all sides of resolution 1701. There must be an end to the smuggling of arms.
In conclusion, Mr President, Australia – like all of us – recognises that the path towards peace will inevitably be hard. It will require strong political leadership. And above all, courage and vision. It’s easy to be glib when people speak of historic opportunity. Glibness and cynicism can, unfortunately, make history. But they don’t make progress.
We have a chance now for progress. But compromise is essential – on both sides. And genuine – not ritualised – support from the broader international community.
Mr President
When this item is debated again next year, there should be two principal speakers – the State of Israel and the State of Palestine. As my Foreign Minister said at UNGA, all Member States should welcome the prospect of both an Israeli and a Palestinian state being represented at the 66th GA.
Thank you