STATEMENT

by H.E. Mr. Le Luong Minh, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Viet Nam

to the United Nations at the Debate of the Security Council on

“The Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question”

New York, 11 May 2009

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Mr. President,

On behalf of the Government of Viet Nam, I would like to start by thanking you and the Government of the Russian Delegation for taking the initiative of organizing this important debate. We welcome the presence of Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and thank him for his statement.

Mr. President,

This debate on “The Situation in the Middle East, Including the Palestinian Question” is taking place at a critical juncture when recent positive developments are being shadowed by continued insecurity, instability and the rise of tension in the region. We are heartened by an increasing international consensus rejecting violence in support of a peaceful solution, the positive outcome of the International Conference for the Reconstruction of Gaza held in Sharm el-Sheikh early this March, and the continued undertakings to translate such positive outcome into concrete actions in support of the National Early Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza presented by the Palestinian Government. These positive developments, however, cannot subjugate the extent and scope of challenges facing the international community. We note with great concern that more than three months since a temporary ceasefire was announced, Israeli military incursions into the Occupied Palestinian Territory and rocket attacks against populated areas in Israel continue to take place. While Palestinian civilians in Gaza are struggling to cope with numerous hardships and difficulties caused by a 22-month siege, tension in the West Bank continues to escalate as a result of Israel’s expansion of illegal settlements and construction of the separation wall.

Mr. President,

Repeated cycles of violence and counter-violence over the years manifest more clearly than ever that a lasting solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict must be a comprehensive one that takes into account the legitimate rights and interests of all the parties concerned. We support the collective efforts of the United Nations, the Quartet, the Leagues of Arab States and  regional countries in search of a two-State solution based on  internationally-recognized guidelines such as the Road Map, the Annapolis outcome, the principle of land for peace, the Arab Peace Initiative and relevant Security Council resolutions, including recent resolutions 1850 (2008) and 1860 (2009). Viet Nam is ready to join efforts to reactivate and move forward the Middle East peace process.

Mr. President,

The recent tragic events in Gaza have caused the loss of many innocent lives, including those of women and children and created and prolonged a humanitarian crisis making the living conditions of the Palestinian people there more and more difficult. We urge all parties concerned to lift all restrictions, create every necessary condition to facilitate humanitarian relief operations and abide by international humanitarian and human rights laws.  We commend UN agencies, particularly UNRWA, and other humanitarian organizations for their bravery in rendering emergency and humanitarian assistance to Gazans. While reaffirming  Viet Nam’s position that any attack against diplomatic and UN premises and personnel is unacceptable,  we take note of the report by the Board of Inquiry prepared at the request  of  the Secretary-General and the appeal of the Security Council and support investigations to determine the culprits.

Mr. President,

          Intra-Palestinian unity is an important factor to make the Middle East peace process sustainable.  Continuing our support for the Palestinian National Authority, we hope that all Palestinian parties will soon reconcile and establish a national unity Government.

Mr. President,

          We are pleased to note the relative calm and stability prevailing in Lebanon since the signing of the Doha Agreement a year ago. We hope that the parliamentary elections scheduled for 7 June 2009 will be held in optimal conditions of security, transparency and fairness. We reaffirm our support for a solution achieved through dialogue and cooperation on the basis of respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. We would also like to reaffirm our support for UNIFIL and full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701 (2006).

          Finally, Mr. President, we welcome the proposal of Russia to convene an international conference on the Middle East peace process in Moscow later this year.  We thank the Russian Delegation for introducing the draft Presidential Statement which we are ready to support.

          I thank you, Mr. President!