SC - Open Debate on Middle East - Ambassador Mayr-Harting
Statement by Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting, Permanent Representative of Austria to the United Nations
New York, 27 January 2010
Austria would like to thank ASG Oscar Fernandez-Taranco for his update on recent developments in the Middle East. We also thank the Permanent Representative of Israel and the Permanent Observer of Palestine for their presence and their contributions to our debate. Austria aligns herself with the statement to be made by the Head of the EU Delegation on behalf of the European Union.
Austria remains gravely concerned that peace talks remain deadlocked despite the ongoing efforts, in particular by the US administration, to bring the parties back to the negotiation table.
We urge the parties to overcome the current stand-still, which plays into the hands of violent extremists rather than leaders who embrace peaceful and democratic ways to achieve the legitimate aspirations of their peoples.
An independent, democratic, contiguous and viable State of Palestine that lives in peace and security with the State of Israel is the realisation of such Palestinian aspirations, a key contribution to stability and peace in the wider region and the best long-term guarantee for Israel’s security. Negotiations to achieve this two-state solution must be urgently resumed. Such negotiations need to be pursued under an agreed time-frame, respect previous agreements and undertakings; and tackle all final status issues, including borders and security, settlements, Jerusalem, refugees and water. A genuine peace requires the parties to find a way through negotiations to ensure the status of Jerusalem as the future capital of two states.
To restore their faith in the negotiation process, Palestinians need to see an end to illegal activities which create obstacles to the viability of their future state, i.e. the construction of settlements and of the separation barrier on occupied land in the West Bank and in East-Jerusalem, house demolitions and evictions.
We have taken note of Israel’s decision on a partial and temporary settlement freeze. This can be seen as a first step in the right direction. However, ongoing settlement construction, the inclusion of settlements in the National Priority Area program and the most recent endorsement for the construction of almost 700 new settlement units in East Jerusalem put into question Israel’s overall readiness to seriously and comprehensively negotiate the settlement issue. We therefore call on the Government of Israel to immediately end all settlement activities, in East Jerusalem and the rest of the West Bank and including natural growth, and to dismantle all outposts erected since March 2001.
We strongly encourage the Palestinian Authority’s efforts to build the infrastructure and institutions of a future state that will provide opportunities, justice and security for its citizens and will address the legitimate security needs of their Israeli neighbours. Austria both bilaterally and within the overall efforts of the European Union will continue to assist Palestinian state-building. Normal economic activity is key to funding these efforts. We welcome steps taken by Israel to ease some of the restrictions, which have contributed to economic growth. We look to Israel for a decisive reinforcement of the removal of obstacles to movement and access in the West Bank. Every job created through improved freedom of movement contributes to sustainable peace and security for all.
One year after the end of the military operation of Israel in Gaza, it is highly disconcerting to note that the full implementation of Resolution 1860 is still overdue. As delivery levels of basic commodities remain far below needs, Austria once again urges the immediate, sustained and unconditional opening of crossings for the flow of humanitarian aid, commercial goods and persons to and from Gaza.
We recognise the right of Israeli citizens to live free from fear of indiscriminate attacks emanating from Gaza. We also recognize the right of the Government of Israel to protect its population from violent attacks. We call for a complete stop to all violence and arms smuggling. But we believe that what is a de facto blockade is not the right instrument to achieve this goal, that it cannot be justified in view of existing obligations under international humanitarian law and that it leads to unacceptable humanitarian consequences.
We wish to underline the continued need for thorough and credible investigations of all allegations of grave violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law in relation to the Gaza conflict. There must be accountability and an effective remedy for victims of such violations. We expect all parties to cooperate with the Secretary General as he prepares his report on their investigation efforts to the General Assembly.
In connection with this wider issue of addressing the legacy of the Gaza conflict, we note with satisfaction that Israel has recently agreed to make a payment of $10.5 million to the United Nations in respect of the losses sustained by the United Nations during the incidents that were investigated by the UN Board of Inquiry. We appreciate the constructive engagement of Israel in this process and would hope that Israel will also consider such steps in similar cases. However, as the UN has rightly pointed out, providing these financial means will not by itself repair the buildings and facilities damaged. We therefore join the UN in its call for the unhindered and expedited passage to Gaza to facilitate effective reconstruction.
In view of recent tensions between Lebanon and Israel, Austria reiterates her call on all parties for the full compliance with Resolution 1701. We call on Israel to stop violations of Lebanese airspace and urge the parties to avoid any rhetoric or acts that could endanger the current cessation of hostilities. In view of the discovery of explosives by UNIFIL near Al-Khiyam, we also wish to underline the importance of efforts to ensure that the area south of the Litani River is kept free of unauthorized armed personnel, assets and weapons.
In conclusion, we wish to underline the shared responsibility of all parties, as well as all partners in the region and in the international community to transform the unsustainable status quo of what at this stage can only be called a fragile calm into a comprehensive and durable settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict, something that also requires decisive steps towards a settlement between Israel and Syria and Israel and Lebanon. Austria, together with her European Union partners stands ready to support concrete and early results on the path to a comprehensive peace.
