UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL

Open debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question

Statement by H.E. Mr John Dauth LVO
Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations 

26 February 2002

Mr President

Thank you for convening this timely and important meeting on an issue of deep interest to member states.

Like the Secretary General, the Australian Government was alarmed by the escalation in violence last week between the Israelis and the Palestinians, and the resulting heavy death toll.

Australia has repeatedly called at the highest levels for an immediate end to the violence and an early and effective resumption of negotiations. The importance of this does not fade. There is no military solution to the situation between the Israelis and the Palestinians, just as there is no real alternative to a negotiated settlement. Australia condemns all acts of terrorism: aimed at innocent civilians, terrorism is morally reprehensible; undermining peace, it is tragically futile. It will never solve the differences between Israelis and Palestinians.

Australia has consistently expressed its support for efforts to build peace in the region. As we stated as recently as November last year in our statement to the General Assembly, we remain committed to a negotiated settlement based on Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, and the principle of land for peace. We remain strongly committed to the territorial integrity of Israel, and the right of the people of Israel to live in peace within secure and recognised boundaries free from threats or acts of force, as affirmed in Resolution 242. We are equally committed to the application of this principle to all states in the region.

Australia has consistently recognised the proper right of the Palestinian people to self-determination. We expect that a comprehensive, just and durable resolution of the region's conflict necessarily will meet the legitimate aspiration of the Palestinians for a homeland of their own in accordance with the principles of Resolution 242.

Mr President

While a cessation of the violence is paramount, the international community should not lose sight of the importance of other issues as identified by the Secretary General. We recognise the heavy burden that the closures and movement restrictions have placed on the Palestinian people. An alleviation of these circumstances is essential to assist peace and economic prosperity in the region.

The international community can give political support to rebuilding confidence, but it is at least equally important that it remains committed to a long-term process of economic assistance. It is vital that the people most affected by violence can see the benefits that would come from an end to violence and a return to economic development and the prospect of a better life.

Australia has a long-standing program to provide developmental assistance in coordination with other donor countries to support the social and economic advancement of the Palestinian people in the West Bank and Gaza, in areas where we have expertise such as agriculture, health and education, as well as assistance to build the Palestinian Authority's legal, agricultural and vocational training capacity. This assistance is designed to deliver tangible benefits to those most in need.

Mr President

Australia has consistently supported international efforts to achieve peace and security, and will continue to do so. Like other, we too have been encouraged by the ideas attributed to Saudi Crown Prince Abdullah. But, violence must be halted, and lead to a durable cease-fire in order to rebuild the confidence necessary for a return to negotiations. International efforts must be directed at assisting building the confidence of both sides.

The present situation is difficult, but we do have a viable set of principles to guide the parties back to the path of a negotiated peace. The recommendations of the Mitchell Report and of the Tenet plan are the vital, and necessary, steps to end the current violence. The Australian Government urges the unconditional resumption of security cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority, and urges both sides to exert full and complete efforts to implement all the recommendations of the Mitchell Report.

Thank you Mr President