Pakistan reiterates call for two-state solution to ME conflict

At UNSC, Pakistan's envoy also demands that all UN member states should recognize the State of Palestine.

FILE PHOTO

Mumtaz Hussain

UNITED NATIONS: Welcoming the ceasefire in the 15-month-long Israeli war on Gaza, Pakistan has reiterated its demand for a two-state solution to the Middle East issue.

In a statement at the United Nations Security Council high level open debate on the Middle East situation including the Palestinian question convened by Algeria, Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN Ambassador Munir Akram also demanded accountability of Israel for the crimes it committed in the Gaza war, leaving over 47,000 people dead. He said this was an essential element in restoring international legitimacy.

Moreover, the international community should also help Palestinians develop a concrete plan for Gaza’s reconstruction.

The Pakistani envoy said the diplomatic process for a two-state solution should be based on the fundamental principles of the UN Charter the principles of which pertained to Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

He warned that the failure to achieve such as solution will lead to prolonged and brutal military occupation, revived violent resistance and perpetual conflict in the Holy Land.

“Israeli agreement to a ceasefire arrangement was precipitated by a particular deadline after Tel Aviv openly defied the UNSC and General Assembly resolutions, the injunctions of the ICJ as well as appeals from its friends and patrons. He added that thousands of lives could have been saved if ceasefire had been agreed to a few months ago,” he added.

Ambassador Akram expressed the hope that all stages of ceasefire agreement will be fully implemented and that the cessation of hostilities will evolve into a permanent peace. He, however, expressed his deep concern at the recent threats by Israel of resumed military action in Gaza.

Ambassador Akram supported the stabilization of Syria through an inclusive political process and governance, stating that terrorism must not be allowed to reemerge in or from Syria. He said that Israel must withdraw immediately from the separation zone established under the 1974 Disengagement Agreement as well as from the occupied Syrian Golan Heights in accordance with Security Council resolutions.

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