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Mr. President,
My delegation wishes to thank you for convening this debate, today.
We also thank Special Coordinator Nickolay Mladenov, for his briefing.
Mr. President,
Last week, as the State of Palestine assumed the Chair of the G-77 & China for 2019, it was not only a vote of confidence by the international community on Palestine's ability to steer the Group, but was also an expression of solidarity with the long-suffering Palestinian people.
Unfortunately, such moments of hope and optimism have become increasingly rare in the parched political landscape of the region.
For the Palestinians, the looming shadows of an illegal and oppressive occupation have grown only darker with every passing year; their fundamental human rights continue to be violated with abandon; their aspiration for a life of dignity and freedom remains a distant ideal.
Besides generating endless hostility and discord, this has also diminished prospects of durable peace in the region.
The Special Coordinator has already provided a grim assessment that the region stands on the brink of another precipice.
Unabated settlement activity in the occupied territory directly contributes to this worsening situation. As the Special Coordinator has noted, instead of ceasing these illegal settlements, Israel has in fact, stepped-up construction of new housing units in the West Bank.
This trend is emblematic of the blatant Israeli disregard of international law and collective will of the international community, including Security Council Resolution 2334. It is also a setback to peace and a retreat from a two-state 'solution' to a one-state 'reality'.
Creating alternate 'facts on the ground' cannot change historic realities or neutralize legal rights of people living under foreign occupation, in Palestine, or indeed, elsewhere.
Meanwhile, the suffering of the ordinary citizens of Gaza is not only an unabated humanitarian tragedy; it is also a moral outrage. This travesty must end.
A viable, independent and contiguous State of Palestine on the basis of internationally agreed parameters, the pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital, is the only sustainable assurance for enduring peace in the Middle East. It is also a pre-requisite for international peace and stability.
Sufficient, predictable and sustainable financing for UNRWA is equally imperative.
Mr. President,
The situation in the Middle East is a sobering reminder that the region remains engulfed in the throes of conflict, instability and violence.
The conflict in Syria continues to exact an enormous human cost. An intra-Syrian process of inclusive political engagement remains the only pathway to achieve durable peace and stability in the country.
We are confident that ongoing efforts within the aegis of the Secretary-General's Special Envoy, Geir Pedersen will make tangible contribution towards this end.
Pakistan also welcomes the renewed diplomatic momentum to find a political solution to the conflict in Yemen. The Stockholm Agreement was an important first step. It is now critical that the sides follow through with their commitments, in a credible and transparent manner. This is vital not only for lasting peace in the country, but also for the well-being of millions of Yemeni people including women and children, in desperate need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
Mr. President,
Outlining his priorities for 2019, the Secretary General underscored that the needs and expectations of people with the UN can only be met by accelerating the 'surge in diplomacy'.
Nowhere is this surge more urgent than in the Middle East, especially in Palestine; for far too long, the Palestinians have looked at this chamber with expectant eyes and wondered, as President Abbas reminded us in February 2018, 'if justice for all people cannot be attained here, where should we go'?
We should not fail the Palestinian people.
For what is at stake, is the credibility of the UN, and fundamental tenets of its Charter, based on inherent dignity of the individual and respect for fundamental human rights of all, including their right to self-determination.
I thank you.