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Mr. Chairman,
At the outset we would like to express our gratitude to the Secretary General
and the Economic and Social Council for West Asia for a comprehensive report on
Agenda Item 103 (Document No. A/58/75-E/2003/21) entitled “Economic and social
repercussions of the Israeli occupation on the living conditions of the
Palestinian people in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East
Jerusalem, and of the Arab population in the occupied Syrian Golan”.
2. The report contains sterling facts on the repercussions of the Israeli
occupation on the living conditions of the Palestinian people. The report
contains details of the relentless occupation of the Palestinian territory and
denial of their fundamental rights, including the right to self-determination.
It also contains the account of the serious economic, social and environmental
problems faced by the people of Palestine due to such actions.
Mr. Chairman,
3. The illegal occupation of Palestine has not only hampered their economic
growth, but has had a deep psychological impact on the social lives of the
people. We would, however, like to focus on the following major aspects of
occupation:
Firstly, there has been an upsurge in the violence during the period under
report. According to the report, during two years time, the Israeli occupation
forces killed 2,520 Palestinians. During 2002, Israel made 51 extrajudicial
killings/attempts resulting in the death of 102 persons. Of those killed since
2000, over 450 were innocent children. Thousands of Palestinians including 280
children were in detention and some 70,000 Palestinians were forcibly evicted
from their homes. Besides, 1, 275 Palestinian homes were demolished by the
occupation forces. These atrocities have further aggravated the economic and
social conditions in the occupied Palestinian territories. The deterioration in
the security situation has led to an increasing sense of hopelessness and
frustration among the people due to increasing unemployment and retarding
growth.
Secondly, continued growth in the Settlements and confiscation of Palestinian
land and properties on the Occupied Palestinian Territories is a matter of
serious concern. Para 37 of the Report under title “Israeli settlements”
indicates that the confiscated land area has reached well over 70 percent of the
entire West Bank; and 1/3rd of the Gaza strip. This has serious implications on
the lives of the Palestinian people. The settlements have restricted the growth
of Palestinian communities and have deprived the Palestinian people of valuable
agricultural land - an important resource for their survival.
Thirdly, the settlements and other measures imposed on the occupied Palestinian
territories continue to pose serious threat to environment, water and other
natural resources. According to para 42 of the Report, 150 Palestinian
communities have no independent water supply. In addition, closures and movement
restrictions have cut them off completely from any water source. The dumping of
the waste water and other industrial pollutants in Palestinian areas is causing
contamination of water resource and environment. Outlying Palestinian villages
have no access to drinking water.
Fourthly, the occupation and increase in violence has had a devastating impact
on the Palestinian health and education. Children and women are specially
affected by nutritional depletion. Para 56 of the report indicates that almost
all children are exposed to violence and the destruction of their homes and
property; leading to various physical disabilities and psychological disorders.
Finally; the lack of economic activity has resulted in deterioration in the
living conditions. Poverty has risen substantially. Almost 67 percent of the
Palestinian people are living below poverty line. The GNP has severely declined.
Majority of the Palestinian workforce is unemployed. The political uncertainty
and the stalling of the peace process have inhibited the flow of investment and
growth of infra-structure.
4. The population in the occupied Syrian Golan is facing similar conditions. The
increasing unemployment and declining economy are causing deterioration in the
living conditions of the Arab population in Syrian Golan. The increasing
settlements and unequal distribution of resources has aggravated the economic
and social situation in the area. The restrictions on movement of Arab
population in the occupied Golan have further limited the access to economic
opportunities.
5. The deterioration in the economic and social conditions of the Palestinians
and the Arab population of the occupied Syrian Golan emanates from foreign
occupation. The international community must take urgent measures for bringing
an end to the violence and facilitate the resumption of the peace process for
establishment of peace in the region. The durable peace can only be achieved by
recognizing and providing the people under foreign occupation their right to
self-determination.
Mr. Chairman,
6. Pakistan has steadfastly and unequivocally supported the just struggle for
the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people as it supports all those people
suffering under alien occupation or foreign domination. We believe that there
can be no lasting peace in the Middle Ease without the attainment of the
legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. These include the return of all
occupied territories to the control of the Palestinian Authority, the
establishment of an independent Palestinian state with holy Jerusalem as its
capital and the exercise of their full sovereignty over Al-Haram Al-Sharif. We
hope that the faithful implementation of the Quartet’s “Road Map” and resumption
of dialogue between the two parties would lay the foundations for a permanent
peace in the Middle East.
Mr. Chairman,
7. A durable settlement of the Middle East question by definition must also
include the restoration of the Syrian Golan. A durable peace in the Middle East
is simply not possible in the absence of justice. We would, therefore, like to
reiterate that there can be no lasting security without lasting peace and
lasting peace can only be ensured by adhering to the principles of justice and
international law.
I thank you, Mr. Chairman.