General Assembly Security Council

STATEMENT BY AMBASSADOR ASOKE K. MUKERJI, PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE, OPEN DEBATE ON 'MIDDLE EAST' AT THE UNITED NATIONS SECURITY COUNCIL ON APRIL 29, 2014

Thank you, Mr. President,

Let me begin by expressing our appreciation for convening this quarterly open debate, which will allow the Council to take stock of recent developments in the Middle East, including the State of Palestine. I would like to thank Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry for his comprehensive briefing.

Mr. President,

2. It is unfortunate that the negotiation between Israel and Palestine that began in late July 2013 with the aim of reaching a deal within nine months ended without any outcome. There is no doubt that the dialogue process generated hope as it came after a hiatus of more than two years in talks between the parties. We express regret that the parties failed to seize the opportunity presented by the direct negotiations and strike a peace deal. It is a serious setback to the Middle East Peace Process. We hope that both sides will demonstrate the necessary political will to return to the negotiating table and will strike a mutually acceptable political solution to this crisis.

Mr. President

3. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem the plight of ordinary Palestinians is worsening everyday due to roadblocks and related infrastructure of occupation that put restrictions on the free movement of persons and goods. The blockade of Gaza is also continuing and adversely affecting essential services, economic activities and infrastructure development. It is also driving militant elements to vent their frustration through violence, thereby further complicating the situation on the ground and increasing Israel s vulnerability and security concerns.

Mr. President,

4. We firmly support a negotiated solution to the Israeli Palestinian issue resulting in a sovereign, independent, viable and united state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side and at peace with Israel. As a member of the Security Council during 2011-12, India supported Palestine s bid for full and equal membership of the United Nations. Continuing this support, India cosponsored the General Assembly resolution in November 2012 that upgraded the status of Palestine to a non-member Observer State.

Mr. President

5. The declaration of 2014 as the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People by UN is a positive step and the Indian delegation fully supports the activities of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestine People to make it a meaningful year.

Mr. President,

6. India has always supported the nation-building efforts of Palestine through technical and economic assistance, including budgetary support. In 2012 India pledged an amount of US$ 10 million as budgetary support to Palestine and signed three Memoranda of Understanding for development projects in the fields of Information and Communication Technology, vocational training and construction of schools. In September 2013, India contributed US$ 1 million to UNRWA, primarily for provision of food and medicines to displaced people in the refugee camps under UNRWA s various programmes. We are also implementing a series of development projects under the IBSA Fund in Palestine. We have so far been able to assist in the rehabilitation of a cultural and hospital center in Gaza, construction and equipping a center for differently abled persons in Nablus, and supporting recreational activities through infrastructure support for a football stadium in Ramallah.

Mr. President,

7. Turning to Syria, the removal of almost 92% of Syria's declared stockpile of chemical weapons out of Syria is a positive development. However, we regret the stalemate in the political process. We hope that both parties resolve the differences and return to the third round of direct talks with the strong political will and commitment. We also urge both sides to sincerely implement the Security Council resolution 2139 ensuring the humanitarian access and immediately cease attacks against civilians and lift the siege of populated areas. These measures can go a long way in alleviating the human sufferings caused by the conflict that began some three years ago. Unilateral sanctions which adversely impact on the population of Syria must be lifted in order to alleviate humanitarian suffering.

8. Before I conclude I would like to stress that there can be no military solution to this conflict. India fully supports a Syrian-led inclusive political dialogue that resolves the current crisis and meets the legitimate aspirations of all sections of Syrian society.

I thank you.

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