VZCZCXYZ0016
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHC #6553 3161526
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 121522Z NOV 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 8621
UNCLAS STATE 116553
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL UNGA IS
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE: 3RD COMMITTEE RESOLUTION ON
"PALESTINIAN SELF-DETERMINATION"
REF: MASILKO-GARUCKIS EMAIL OF 11/10/09
1. (U) This is an action message.
2. (U) Mission should call for a vote and vote "no" on Third
Committee Agenda Item 68: "The right of the Palestinian
people to self-determination." (REF) Mission should draw of
para 3 blocks in presenting an explanation of vote (EOV).
3. (SBU) Begin EOV Blocks:
-- With respect to the situation in the Middle East, the
United States has clearly stated our policy that there should
be two states, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in
peace and security. We back up our policy with substantial
diplomatic support for both sides and significant financial
support to the Palestinian Authority and to the Palestinian
refugees receiving support from UNRWA, for which the United
States is the largest single donor.
-- We see no contradiction whatsoever between support for the
Palestinian people and support for Israel. We are deeply
discouraged, therefore, to once again be presented with an
unbalanced resolution that -- unlike the UNGA's action with
respect to any other member state, geographic are or issue --
places demands on the Israeli side while failing to
acknowledge that both sides have obligations and must take
difficult steps toward peace.
-- Resolutions such as this one presuppose the outcome of
permanent status issues, such as the right of return and the
status of Jerusalem, that properly belong in bilateral
negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians, making it
that much more difficult to resolve them. Resolutions such
as this one also undermine the institutional credibility of
the UN, which, through the Quartet, has an important role to
play in supporting the resolution of the Arab-Israeli
conflict.
-- For these reasons, the United States has voted "no" on
this resolution today.
End EOV blocks.
CLINTON