081218_SC_middleeast - Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations

Australian Permanent Mission to the United Nations

New York

Permanent Mission address: 150 East 42 Street, Level 33, New York, New York 10017 - Telephone: 1 212 351 6600 - Fax: 1 212 351 6610

Statement by HE Andrew Goledzinowski, Ambassador and Chargé d’affaires of Australia to the United Nations, to the Security Council on The Situation in the Middle East

18 December 2008

(As delivered)

I welcome the opportunity to speak today on this important issue. As a firm friend of Israel and of the Palestinian people, Australia shares the vision of the two states of Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security.

Australia welcomes the statement of the Middle East Quartet on 15 December, reiterating its support for the ongoing negotiations through the Annapolis process. We are encouraged by the commitment of the parties to the Quartet on 9 November at Sharm El Sheikh to “vigorous, ongoing and continuous negotiations”, and to implementing their respective obligations under the Roadmap for Peace.

Australia believes that the progress made under Annapolis must not be lost. That is why it is important that, irrespective of the composition of the parties’ leaderships, Israel and the Palestinian Authority continue and expedite bilateral negotiations, and abide by their obligations under the Roadmap

Australia is deeply concerned by the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and by the resumption of violence and indiscriminate attacks against Israel, which we condemn. We strongly support the Quartet’s call for the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire to be respected, and extended. Australia echoes the Quartet’s call for humanitarian supplies into Gaza to be assured continuously.

Australia supports efforts to achieve a just, lasting and comprehensive peace between Israel and its neighbours, consistent with relevant Security Council resolutions. We welcome renewed interest in the Saudi-sponsored Arab Peace Initiative, as a possible basis for further discussions, and hope that progress can be made on the Israel-Syria track.

Peace will only be achieved with the support of the international community. Both the Israelis and Palestinians have asked us to support their efforts by promoting an environment conducive to peace, non-violence and the two-state solution. The Quartet has similarly called on all of us to provide diplomatic and political support, and assist in building the institutions necessary for a future Palestinian state.

Australia is committed to providing that support, and stands ready to assist in whatever way we can.