Briefing and consultations on the Middle East (22 May 2013)

We thank Mr. Robert Serry for his briefing.

Palestine

Momentum for resumption of the peace process, with active US involvement, should continue to build. In this regard, we particularly appreciate the efforts of Secretary of State Kerry's diplomacy, Secretary General’s endeavors and renewed interest amongst regional take holders.

Arab League’s concession with regard to boundaries, as Secretary of State Kerry said, is "a very big step forward".

A time-bound and result-oriented process is required. As Secretary Kerry has warned if this narrow window of opportunity is missed, a two-State solution may never materialize.

Mr. Saeb Erakat, the Chief Palestinian Negotiator earlier this week brought out a stark reality: a new form of apartheid being practiced in the occupied territories.

Mr Serry has rightly said that both sides should avoid taking actions that will undermine the ongoing initiative.

Both sides should reverse negative trends. Many developments continue to adversely impact the situation:

    • One: restrictions on freedom of worship, especially in East Jerusalem. Orthodox Christians were not allowed to celebrate Easter. Activities of Israeli settlers around the Al-Aqsa Mosque Complex have increased. Detention the Grant Mufti of Jerusalem on 8 May further vitiated the atmosphere.
    • Two: excessive use of force against peaceful demonstrators by Israeli occupation forces continues. Palestinians marking the 65th year of Al Nakba of 1948 on 15 May were the latest victims.
    • Three:Israel approved plans for building of nearly 300 more settlement units in “Beit El”. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Government, during its first term, built over 16,000 settlement units with a consequent increase in number of settlers as well as settler attacks.
    • Four: excavations and tunneling under the Al-Aqsa Mosque continue. A 3,000-meter long underground grid is systematically eroding antiquities. The whole structure is being threatened.
    • Five: killing of the Israeli settler on April 30.

We call on both sides to refrain from actions that could poison the atmosphere and invest in measures that are conducive to building trust and negotiations. Both sides should act responsibly; both sides should avoid giving inflammatory statements.

Halting settlement activity, releasing Palestinian detainees, lifting of the blockade on Gaza and ensuring freedom of worship and safety of Holy sites should be taken, as a proof of good intensions.

The only viable solution for the Arab-Israeli conflict is through creation of an independent, sustainable and contiguous State of Palestine, based on the 1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.

Lebanon and Syria

Lebanon continues to feel the effects of turmoil in Syria, not only through influx of refugees and cross-border attacks, but also through increased airspace violations by Israel. We condemn Israeli attacks on Syria, which violate international law. Such irresponsible behavior threatens regional peace and security.

For sustainable peace, Israel must vacate all Arab lands, including those of Lebanon and the Syrian Golan.

We condemn increasing activities of militants in the Syrian Golan, especially attacks on UN Observation Posts and abduction of UN peacekeepers and observers. TCCs of UNDOF/UNTSO should not be forced to withdraw. We call on all sides to ensure safety and security of Blue Helmets.

We welcome the recent engagement between the United States and the Russian Federation to jump-start the stalled Geneva process on Syria.

The momentum generated recently should not founder on disagreements over the selection of regional participants and representatives of the Syrian Government and the opposition.

The Syrian President’s recent interview, dismissing progress in Geneva, should not dampen our aspiration to move ahead. Arms supplies must cease. All sides must stop weapons consignments. Weapons proliferation in Syria and fighting will cast an ominous shadow on the Geneva process.

As Mark said, Geneva 2 means implementation on Geneva 1 by creating conditions for a viable transition.

The plight of Syrian refugees in neighboring countries is worsening. The Government of Pakistan has provided US$100,000 to the Jordanian Government for Syrian refugees. This is a token of support for our Syrian brothers as well as the Jordanian Government.

I thank you