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Thank you Mr. President and many congratulations on assuming the post with such an important world issue at the very start.
Mr. President,
The problem in Syria has assumed dimensions which are not only regrettable but are condemnable. We have to understand that while we have made civilization, we have also condoned words like collateral damage, and so many others, which is not my intention to name here today, but, I believe we accept too much too easily.
Reminds me of two thousand years ago Pontius Pilate, washing his hands and saying, I have nothing to do with this. And two thousand years later, we still see the humanity suffers that particular point.
Pakistan has some serious concerns, mainly against killings and massacre of innocents, but also on a point of principle of the Charter, we were not happy about any infringement of sovereignty or integrity of Syria. There was a very spirited attempt, as related by Mark just now as well, to take care of issues and concerns. We are thankful for that. I believe that it became important to be able to end killings by asking both sides, and in fact forcing both sides stating that it is not acceptable, and that was a strong moral point that the Arab League draft introduced into this Resolution.
There was a question of amnesty, and I believe it is an accepted fact that every one has to get involved to stop the killing. Don’t forget, nothing succeeds anywhere in the world against a government without external help. This is a point of history which cannot be ignored.
It is easy for those of us who voted today in majority to sit back and say well we have done our bit, no we haven’t. We cannot wash our hands of this. We must continue and seek, as the Russians and Chinese have stated, continue to seek the way forward, and I believe the best vehicle would be the Arab League plan and the very substantial changes that have been accepted over the last few days. I believe that the offer of no regime change, of plurality, and promotion of democracy, are important aspects of this situation, and we have stood by that.
I believe that even today our system has indeed let us down. But then, we have been very clear, without taking political benefit out of it, that this aspect of veto is always a heart wrencher and yet it cuts itself both ways. Either everyone should have a veto, and then see how the world gets on or perhaps we should all consider not using it whatsoever.
I think that we have also got to a situation that we will have to continue forward. We will have to persevere. And I believe that we will have to help further strengthening of relationships. Today, in our decision, it mattered a great deal with our Arab brethren, who are so important to us, that we had to take a strong principled stand with them, because they wanted it unanimously. I had raised the question couple of days earlier that I do not see Tunisia, Egypt and others who are such strong proponents of this cause and I am glad to see that they have co-sponsored. That is a great plus point in my mind.
With a few words reminding that all this was done by good intentions on all sides. I am not going to take a stick to beat anyone with. I believe consensus was achieved. There were some drop outs but I believe we can still work towards a consensus. There is a visit to Syria in the next few days. I am sure that some more points may arise. This matter should not be allowed to die. It should remain as an active matter before this Council and we should go towards it again, as soon as is possible, with the help of those who even decided today not to vote for it. So that remaining active, we would give hope to those who are expecting it from us.
Having said these few words, and to keep engagement alive, I thank you for giving me this opportunity, Mr. President.