YECHURY AT UN

Concern Over Israeli Violations Of Palestinian Rights 

Cuban foreign minister Filipe Perez Roque meeting Yechury at the UN on November 8, 

immediately after passing of the vote on the resolution demanding lifting of blockade on Cuba 

CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury, who was part of the Indian delegation to the 60th session of the UN General Assembly recently made the following statement at the Fourth Committee of the session at New York on November 7, regarding Israeli violations of human rights of the Palestinian and other Arab people in the occupied territories.

THE Indian delegation appreciates the opportunity to contribute to the discussions under Agenda Item: 31: Special Committee to investigate Israeli Practices Affecting Human Rights of the Palestinian People and other Arabs in the occupied territories.

India has welcomed the implementation of disengagement by Israel from the Gaza Strip and parts of the West Bank, as a positive development. We deem the withdrawal as a significant first step that, we hope, will culminate in a mutually acceptable, negotiated settlement in accordance with the Roadmap and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. We trust that this opening will be used by all sides to take forward the negotiations that will lead, within a reasonable time frame, to the creation of truly sovereign, independent and viable Palestinian state within well-defined and secure borders, living side-by-side and at peace with Israel.

Despite this glimmer of hope for cooperation between the parties in the aftermath of the withdrawal, the situation in the region remains fragile. Just last week, another terrorist attack in Israel has claimed innocent lives. India unequivocally condemns all acts of terrorism, as well as any provocation and incitement to violence in the strongest terms. We are equally critical of improper and harsh retaliatory measures. We believe that it is essential to put an end to this cycle of violence that does not augur well for forward movement on the peace process. We hope that all parties concerned will exercise the utmost restraint, abjure violence, and return to the negotiating table to enable progress to be made for a peaceful resolution of the remaining issues of the Roadmap.

The focus of the Report of the special committee, as contained in document A/60/380, is on the human rights of the Palestinian people. Human rights are universal and indivisible in nature and we have strongly espoused the philosophy of “all human rights for all people.”

In the judgement of the members of the Special committee, however, the construction of the separation wall has violated “every single human right of the Palestinians.” This is a matter of deep concern. As we have stated in the past, no one could have objections to the construction of the wall in areas coinciding with the green line. However, its encroachment on Palestinian land and interests creates great hardship for the people affected by its construction and exacerbates the situation. Besides, continued construction of the wall on Palestinian land threatens to prejudge the eventual outcome of the final status negotiations between the parties.

We recall, in this connection, the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of justice, on the legal consequences of the construction by Israel of the wall in the occupied Palestinian territory. The court had opined that the wall is contrary to international law and should be dismantled. We have, in the past, called on Israel to take full account of the Advisory Opinion, in keeping with the overwhelming international opinion in the matter, with a view to its early implementation. We would once again renew this appeal to Israel to take note, in particular, of the recommendations contained in General Assembly resolution Es-10/15 of August 2, 2005, which is based on the Advisory Opinion of the international Court of Justice.

Of equal concern are the restrictions on the freedom of movement by Palestinians. These restrictions have led to a loss of access by the Palestinian population to employment and income as well as access to essential goods and services. These have also seriously hampered the capability of all humanitarian operators, including UNRWA and other UN Agencies, to provide essential services. Reports about limitations to the freedom of movement of UNRWA staff are of particular concern. Full and secure access for diplomatic and humanitarian personnel and to goods and services, as required by the principles and practices of international humanitarian law as well as by the Roadmap, must be ensured.

Mr Chairman

India is deeply concerned about the continuing humanitarian crisis in the occupied Palestinian territories. We call on Israel to show restraint and take no action that would aggravate he humanitarian and economic plight of the Palestinian people. It should take measures without delay, in accordance with the obligations of the Roadmap, to improve the security and humanitarian and economic conditions of the Palestinian people. Within this context, the services provided by UNRWA play an indispensable role. Its critical work demonstrates in a tangible way, the concern and sympathy of the international community for the plight of the Palestinian refugees who have been severely disadvantaged and deprived of justice, human rights and fundamental freedoms. India has been a regular contributor to UNRWA’s regular budget so as to enable it to continue to effectively fulfill its mandate and has doubled this contribution in 2004.

Bilaterally, India’s support for the Palestinian cause is strong and unwavering. The National Common Minimum Programme of the United Progressive Alliance government has reiterated India’s decades old commitment to the cause of the Palestinian people for a homeland of their own. India has previously extended material and technical assistance to the people of Palestine to help them consolidate their progress towards self-government and nation building. Major telecom software project are also being signed up for implementation. India has pledged 3 million US dollar as donor assistance to the PNA, out of which over 2 million dollar have been disbursed. Projects have been completed in the field of higher education and training slots have been offered. A grant to the Palestinian Authority of 15 million dollar was announced during the visit to India from May 19-20, 2005, by it President, H E Mr Mahmoud Abbas.

Mr Chairman,

India reaffirms its commitment to a negotiated two-state solution agreed between the parties that would result in a viable, contiguous, sovereign and independent Palestinian state existing side-by-side with Israel in peace and security. India unequivocally reaffirms that the Roadmap, as endorsed by Security Council resolution 1515, is the fundamental framework for a resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and calls upon all sides to take steps to fulfil their Roadmap obligations and commitment. India sincerely hopes that positive developments will soon emerge, leading without delay to a fair, stable and equitable solution to the conflict based on relevant UN resolutions, including Security Council resolutions.

Departing from the text, Mr Chairman, I would like to quote the South African writer J M Coetzee who in “Waiting for the Brabarians” says: “The new men of Empire are the ones who believe in fresh starts, new chapters, new pages; we struggle on with the old story.” Is it worth remembering again that men make their own history but not under circumstances chosen by them. They move from interpreting or arguing about the world and their conditions of life to changing these.