|
|
Pakistan today reiterated in the UN Security Council that the only viable solution for the Palestine-Israel conflict is the creation of an independent, sustainable and contiguous State of Palestine, based on 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, living side by side with Israel in peace and security. In his statement, Ambassador Masood Khan Permanent Representative of Pakistan added that alternatives to this proposed solution are not likely to work.
A debate on “Situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian Question" was held today at the UN Security Council.
Pakistani Ambassador said that it was after three years of stalemate that we have heard good news that Palestinians and Israelis will return to direct peace talks.
He congratulated US Secretary of State John Kerry for his resolute statesmanship and despite warnings of failure, he persevered in his diplomacy and persuaded the two sides to resume negotiations.
He highlighted the two other core concerns: halt to settlements construction in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem; and Israel's recognition of the pre-1967 borders; and using them as a baseline for negotiations.
Ambassador Masood Khan emphasized that for peace in the region, Israel must vacate Lebanese lands and the Syrian Golan and that sovereignty, territorial integrity, unity and political independence of Lebanon must be respected.
Talking about the situation in Syria the Pakistani Envoy said, “Syria is burning. Bloodshed continues. Guns are not going to win the war.
This Council and the international community should take steps to stop arms supplies to all sides and bring the Syrian government and opposition representatives to Geneva for talks that would lead to a political solution and national reconciliation”. A meltdown in Syria will fracture the entire region, he added.
He welcomed the Secretary General’s call for a ceasefire during Ramadan. It was not heeded but it still has a symbolic value.
United Nations, New York, 23,July,2013