Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian people marked at UN with calls for action
Marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, United Nations officials today called for steps
to translate the promises of the peace process - most recently expressed at a major meeting in the United States city of
Annapolis - into action to achieve a two-State solution to the conflict in the Middle East.
Addressing a commemorative meeting in New York, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon noted that Palestinians "continue to
suffer the indignities and violence of occupation and conflict" but called the recent talks in Annapolis "a new
beginning in efforts to achieve a two-State solution."
The talks on 27 November, which brought together Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime
Minister Ehud Olmert, meeting under the auspices of US President George Bush and before a wide cross-section of the
international community, agreed to launch negotiations on all core issues without exception, to try to conclude a peace
treaty resolving all outstanding issues in 2008.
"Implementation is now paramount," said Mr. Ban. "What we do tomorrow is more important than what we say today."
The Secretary-General said the process launched at Annapolis "must change the lives of Palestinians, and secure their
independence and freedom," ending the occupation and creating an independent and viable State of Palestine, at peace
with itself and its neighbours.
"It also must deliver on the vital interests of Israelis: a Palestinian State that is a true partner and not a source of
terrorism, secure and recognized borders, and a permanent end to the conflict," he added.
The Secretary-General acknowledged the difficulties ahead. "We cannot close our eyes to the profound doubt and mistrust
on either side about the will and capacity of the other to achieve these goals," he said. "The indignities, injustices,
and fear on both sides make it difficult to build faith in the political process. But that is exactly what we have to
do. We must abandon piecemeal approaches, and address all aspects of the conflict."
He also urged help for the Palestinian Authority to rebuild, reform and perform. "I hope a wide range of donors will
step forward with political and financial support at the upcoming Paris conference and beyond," he said.
In addition, Mr. Ban urged humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza, while cautioning that this would not substitute for
a functioning economy. "The time has come for concrete initiatives to ease their suffering."
Also addressing the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, General Assembly
President Srgjan Kerim hailed the outcome of the Annapolis conference as a "great opportunity for a permanent two-State
solution" but echoed Mr. Ban by saying "the prerequisite for success requires a resolute commitment to boldly follow
words with deeds."
The President cautioned that achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace requires continuous dialogue and
compromise backed by a resolute commitment to achieve a permanent solution.
"Both Israelis and Palestinians are going to have to be honest with their own people about the price of peace. This will
require difficult choices and sacrifice from both sides, as part of a shared vision for a better future," he said.
"The stakes are high, but the alternatives are worse," he declared, calling on all Member States to make every effort to
support the peace process.
Looking ahead, Mr. Kerim said the Paris donors' conference to be held in December offers an important opportunity to
fund key proposals and lay the foundation for a viable Palestinian State.
A commemorative meeting on the issue was also held today in Geneva, with speakers underscoring the international
community's obligation to assist the Palestinians and voicing support for a two-State solution.
ENDS